No Matter the Mission

By now, most of my friends know that Lynn is on hospice care.  When they greet me they are quick to ask how he is doing, and how I am doing.  I love them for their sincere concern!  Often, as we exchanges comments, they express sympathy for my situation, and a genuine empathy for what I may be experiencing.  I say "may be experiencing" because they understand that, without the ability to get into my skin and move around in my day to day life, they cannot know just what I am going through.  Their sensitivity to that fact touches me deeply and makes me appreciate our sweet association more than ever! 

I have to admit, it would be easy to sink into a "slough of despond"  (a favorite phrase from a Bronte book) but I'm no quitter, and I'm certainly not a "victim".  There is just too much in life to appreciate and enjoy, in spite of challenges and sorrows.  That being said, I am not without my disappointments, and I thought I'd write about one of them today.

At this stage of my life, I have many friends who are going on missions for my church.  They are couples who have worked hard all their lives, saved diligently, and are now serving in various ways around the world.  Some are service missionaries.  Some are proselyting missionaries.  Many years ago, my mom worked as both a service and a proselyting missionary after she raised her children.  She labored for 2 years in the Lima, Peru area teaching hygiene and nutrition to native Peruvians, as well as sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Some service missionaries help people in various countries with farming practices or medical needs.  They assist military families, help individuals find their ancestors, and work in a variety of other ministries to help others, both members of our Church and non-members.

Some of my married friends serve as mission presidents and mission "mothers".  All have prepared themselves financially and spiritually to fill their positions with dedication and commitment.  All are spiritually strong couples, with a common sense of urgency to spread the love of Christ, watch over the young single missionary men and women assigned to their care, and share the good news of The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As young men, five of my sons filled two year missions in various parts of the world.  Each eagerly awaited his mission call, anticipating where he would serve, how far from home he would have to travel, if his assignment would require learning a new language, and if he was truly prepared and ready for such an important responsibility. 

As I've said in other posts, I believe we all have a mission, or missions, to perform in this life.  I always thought my husband and I would serve in ways similar to those of my mission couple friends.  Not necessarily in a mission presidency, but perhaps in some service position.  I've had to come to grips with the loss of that dream.  One of my former bishops told me, "You also have been called on a mission.  It isn't one like those of your friends, but it is just as important, and perhaps far more difficult."  I appreciate his revealing that wisdom to me at a time when my hurt had hidden its truth from my mind.

We don't always think of serving those within the walls of our own home as laboring to bring souls to God.  It certainly isn't very exciting or very grand.  It doesn't take us to foreign lands or unfamiliar places.  It doesn't require learning a new language or becoming acquainted with new customs; at least not in the traditional sense.  However, I will admit, I often feel like I'm traveling through unknown territory, and learning a new language of love and service unknown to me until given this opportunity to minister.  No, I am not in Europe or Asia or the South Seas working with a multitude of new acquaintances, helping them to understand and embrace the gospel.  But, in spite of the proximity of my service, I know it is making a difference.

Often, when helping Lynn, I think of the man who came upon the fellow at the shore, throwing one starfish at a time back into the sea.  I'm sure you know the story:  The man, seeing the hundreds of starfish that have washed up with the tide says, "Why are you doing that?  It can't possibly make a difference."  The other fellow, throwing one more little creature back into the ocean, says, "It made a difference to that one!"

I can't be in some far flung nation helping people to see the value of Christ's gospel, but here, I can do my part for one person.  I can live the gospel of Jesus Christ and be an example of what He would do.  The Apostle James said, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction." (James 1:27)--and, I think, a spouse whose health is failing.  

Were I in Lynn's position, slowly losing my abilities, and dealing with years of illness, my spirit might be wounded beyond repair without the daily administration of love that speaks, not just to the value of living the gospel, but to Lynn's value as an individual.  For what is the gospel of Jesus Christ, if not a witness to the value of each and every person who walks or has walked the earth?  There is simply no way to measure the worth of a spouse, a friend, a companion, a child of God.   So, while I may not be out saving tens or perhaps hundreds of souls, I can help to save and uplift one soul.  I can help Lynn, and I believe it does make a difference to him.  I know it is making a difference in my life, as I learn a new language of love, and as I learn to embrace this unique kind of service.  As I have come to terms with the way I have been called to minister, although I realize it isn't the mission I had planned on, I know it is a significant mission, and I feel blessed to serve!

Of Hospice, Hope, and Habits of Gratitude

This past week was a difficult one.  We had to admit Lynn (my husband) to hospice care.  He will still be at home, but his declining physical and mental conditions require more help than I can provide by myself.  And, honestly, I can also use the services hospice provides to relieve caregivers of the constant stress associated with tending to the needs of a loved one.  I have been receiving a few hours of reprieve each week as friends have spent time with Lynn, but hospice will give me some additional time to myself, to take a few deep breaths and renew myself.  

In my last post I talked about things not working out as planned.  The deterioration in my husband's mental health is an example of an unplanned for situation.  I had hoped that his mind would stay healthy for much longer though, in reality, I knew this would eventually happen. As we've welcomed hospice workers into our home, and dealt with the reality of an ugly disease, I am reminded, everyday, that I get to choose how I will respond to the changes that are taking place.

President John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
I'm always encouraging others to be grateful.  So, in this situation, how do I transform that encouragement into the very gratitude by which I live?  How do I choose to be happy?  How do I gratefully embrace something that is so much less than what I wanted? 

I've found a few habits that are very helpful:

First, I pay attention.  I especially like the idea of paying attention to putting away something good and beautiful everyday.  At my age I've had plenty of opportunity to do that.  It's become a habit; one that I relish.  I like to think of every beautiful song I hear, every uplifting thought, every passage of hopeful scripture, every inkling of inspiration, every positive exchange with friends, as a treasure stored away against a time of need.     
                         
This past week, as I came to know it was time for this transition to hospice care, I struggled.  Who wouldn't?   I struggled with how this would affect Lynn.  I struggled with what I might have done differently to put off this inevitable decision.  I struggled with  why God would answer my prayers for Lynn's well being in this way.  I awoke early one morning and a verse of scripture came to mind.  It wasn't a passage I had ever consciously committed to memory, but I had passed by it on several occasions in my study of the New Testament, so it was stored somewhere in my mind:  "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."  As I searched for the location of these encouraging words (John 16:33) I was further comforted by the message at the beginning of the verse: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace".   The message was so clear, and so beautiful.  Christ, who has suffered every hurt and sorrow that I am now experiencing, and more, was encouraging me on, and assuring me that everything is okay.  This is difficult, but it is to be expected as part of this mortal experience.  He is leading, and I have only to follow.  I'm glad I was paying attention.

Second, I listen.  To handle life gracefully and with gratitude, I find it helpful to listen.  I love to listen to beautiful music.  There are many musical compositions that I thoroughly enjoy.  Pachelbel's Canon in D is one of my favorites (I'm listening to it right now).  It never fails to touch a very deep place within my soul; and it reminds me that there are extraordinary gifts all around that speak to me of peace, comfort, and renewal when I am weary and life is hard.

I also love to listen to the sounds of waterfalls, and birds singing, and children laughing, and thunder booming.  When I am going through difficulty or disappointment, I seek out these things, and I listen intently.  All these sounds remind me that I am in the middle of a living, moving, breathing world that is filled with exciting power and joy.  I can choose to be a part of that world or, in my pain, I can withdraw from it.  Why would I want to withdraw?  I feel so much uplifting energy as I remain in touch with these blessings!  I have only to listen.

Third, I look.  I look in the mirror and quietly thank God for my capacity to handle this situation, and the opportunity to embrace this passage of service to my husband.  I look, as well, at the comfort in which I live.  My needs are taken care of, and my wants, though of necessity modest, are met.  I look at my friends and realize there are many; and any one of them would (and often does) step up to the plate to help me when I have a need. I also look at flowers and skies and stars and new babies and smiling faces.  I don't begrudge them their beauty simply because I find myself turning gray, or because I must help my husband with his daily personal care, or because life has dealt me a less than perfect hand.  Everyone has his own less than perfect hand.  I am no exception, but my life can be exceptionally rich and rewarding as I enjoy its beauties.  I have only to look.

Fourth, I breathe deeply.  I breathe in fresh air (at the odd times it's available between these two mountain ranges).  When I can, I love to breathe in the scent of pine and lilac and ocean spray and lavender oil.  I often breathe in the smell of morning toast, and beef roasting, and marigolds, and apple pie.  

There is a reason that scented candles and essential oils are such big business.  Certain smells uplift us.  They help us to breathe more deeply, and relax more fully.  They give us a sense of well being and comfort.  They can help us to sleep, or invigorate and energize us.  I always keep essential oils on hand and, especially in times of trouble or stress, I make sure I can recreate a favorite scent in the kitchen or in the bath. Then, I have only to breathe deeply!

Fifth,I read.   I read something beautiful every day: scriptures, poetry, an inspiring story of personal struggle and triumph, a short inspirational passage from a favorite author.  I read and I read and I read.  Sometimes I even read aloud.  As I use both my eyes and my voice the message becomes more firmly recorded in my brain, and I can more easily recall it in a moment of need.  
The following is a favorite poem. I love the sense of recognition and gratitude it expresses:

*Otherwise 
by Jane Kenyon
 
I got out of bed
on two strong legs.
It might have been otherwise.  I ate
cereal, sweet
milk, ripe, flawless
peach.  It might
have been otherwise.
I took the dog uphill
to the birch wood.
All morning I did
the work I love.

At noon I lay down
with my mate.  It might
have been otherwise.
We ate dinner together
at a table with silver
candlesticks.  It might 
have been otherwise.
I slept in a bed
in a room with paintings
on the wall, and
planned another day
just like this day.
But one day, I know, 
it will be otherwise.

So often the written words of others can offer a renewing and informative experience.  I have only to read.

And so it is.  There is much to be grateful for, from the mundane to the extraordinary, in times of constancy and predictability, or in times of stress.  There are abundant blessings to pay attention to, to look at, to listen to, to breathe in, and to read. They uplift my soul and fill my senses with the joy of life.  Somehow, in the presence of these treasures, the sorrows of life grow a little smaller; the pain becomes a little less intense; the hope a little more brilliant; the gratitude a little more keen.  Collecting these treasures, storing them up against a time of need, and gratefully using them as necessary, has certainly helped me to navigate a difficult week. They have long helped me to navigate my life.  Were it not for services like hospice, the help of friends, God's creations, and the beautiful works of composers and writers, it might, indeed, be "otherwise". 


("Otherwise" by Jane Kenyon, in Good Poems, Selected and Introduced by Garrison Keillor, 25-26; Penguin Books, 2002).




                          
                          

  

  

When Things DON'T Work Out

Before the holidays I promised I would answer questions regarding gratitude.  I know that we've probably all begun the new year with an idea of how we want 2014 to play out, and the successes we'd like to see as we move forward.  But what happens when things DON'T work out as planned in this great journey called LIFE?
So, here's the question:

I thought I had my life mapped out and knew where I was going, but nothing is working out the way I had planned.  I am not feeling very grateful right now.  What can I do?

I can personally relate to this frustration.  I, too, had a plan for my life.  When our youngest child was in high school my life plan seemed to fall to pieces.  My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  My children were now mostly grown and I had planned to spend my time developing my writing skills and seeking publication.  However, our changed circumstances now required that I go to work—part time at first, and eventually full time.

 

I was devastated, knowing that I wouldn’t have the time I wanted to devote to writing.  However, I could give it some time.  I love to become immersed in the writing process and to stay involved in it for uninterrupted hours.  This just was not possible with my new responsibilities, but I committed to writing for two hours each day after work and before I began preparing dinner.  I spent that time doing interviews, outlining, writing and honing my draft.  After about a year I had developed a rough copy of a book, but now I had to work full time!  My husband’s condition was not so serious that I had to help him every moment, so I fit writing in before work in the morning and before bed at night.  Eventually, I was able to finish my project.  I did not abandon my goal, though I did find my timeline for fulfilling my objectives had to be changed.

Life is not very predictable and things most often DON’T go as planned, but don’t give up on your plans.  Don’t abandon your goals and dreams.  As you move though the obstacles that present themselves, look for ways to accomplish your desires.  Slow down if necessary.   Rearrange your timetable for completing your objectives if you have to, but don’t abandon your dreams.

It is easy to quit when life becomes discouraging, but you have a purpose for being on this earth.  I don’t know what it is because it’s your purpose, not mine.  Perhaps you don’t know what it is either, but you can find out.  Whatever it is, it is something positive and good.  If, as you say, you have already developed a life plan, then quite possibly you know the mission you desire to accomplish.  I have a friend who told me, “Don’t die with your music still in you.”  We all have something wonderful to give.  We need to determine that we will work within the difficulties we encounter, and not allow them to dissuade us from accomplishing the mission we are meant to perform. 

Maybe your mission is raising a family, or being a great volunteer in your community, or leading an organization.  Maybe your mission is to write music, or create a new way to do something, or to make a discovery, or to be a great performer of some kind.  Maybe it is to be an uplifting, positive influence to those around you. Ponder over and discover your purpose, and then fulfill that purpose.  Yes, you will face difficulties.  Work through them.  Obstacles will sometimes get in your way.  Find ways to overcome them.  As you do, you will discover new things about yourself.  You will develop new skills and personality traits (such as patience and creativity), and become a more sensitive and caring person.  Practicing gratitude every day will help you to gain insight and become more creative. Learn the unique gratitude strategies that will assist you in doing that.   These practices will help you to have a more positive outlook, in spite of your challenges.  The things you learn because of your challenges will give you even more reason for gratitude.  In short, approaching life with a grateful heart is a winning proposition any way you look at it.  I have lots more to say about this, but my blog format is designed to be brief.  So, not to toot my own horn, but you can find many suggestions in my book, Gratitude’s Transcending Power, for overcoming obstacles and developing the practices that will assist you.

While it’s true that you may not reach your goals as you originally had them outlined, don’t give up on them.  Keep pressing forward, realizing that the obstacles you overcome, and the challenges you meet, are an important part of YOUR life journey.  Don’t criticize these obstacles and challenges.  Rejoice in them; they have a purpose.  Keep focused on what you want to achieve.  You will make discoveries that you never dreamed of, and find that, when you do finally reach your goal, you will be a more interesting, more compassionate, and more multi-faceted person than you were when you started out.

Final 3 Days of Sale

Just a heads up:  If you haven't yet taken advantage of the e-book sale, we are in our final 3 days, with just today, tomorrow and Wednesday remaining in this New Year Sale.  So jump start your quest for more gratitude by purchasing the 2nd edition of Gratitude's Transcending Power in e-book format for the outrageously low price of $3.99.   Just click on the book icon in the sidebar to be directed to the Amazon Kindle Store, or go to https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/373045 
Thanks for your support, and happy reading!!

Gratefully Define Yourself With Hope and Hard Work

 As we make our way into 2014, I know we all want to believe this will be our best year yet.  There is something to be said for hope.  It can be motivational.  It can lift us above the disappointments of the past.  It can spur us on to thinking in positive, creative ways.  But what happens when we hit a bump in the road, and it feels more like a brick wall?

I think we can all agree, it's really easy to give up on our resolutions and dreams when obstacles present themselves.  But is that really necessary--or in our best interest?  What can we do when we have a vision of our future that simply isn't manifesting itself or, worse yet, seems beyond our reach in spite of our best efforts?  What can we do when circumstances seem to combine to make us a liar in the story of our own life as we dreamed and planned for it to be?

Like you, things don't always go my way.  I'm learning to deal with that.  I've come to find ways of picking myself up quite quickly and adjusting my thinking to a positive perspective, especially since I've gotten older and have faced more daunting problems.  Below, I've included a link to a young woman who is especially adept at this.  Her story is much more compelling than mine;  her obstacles much greater than any I have faced.  Listen to her and ask yourself, "What defines me?"

Gratefully, for each of us, life is the product of your own creation.  No matter what challenges you face, or who may attempt to dissuade you from your belief in your potential, it is YOU who are in charge of your life.  Click on the link, and be prepared to be inspired!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=channel%3A529518ab-0-2179-99e6-1a11c2d77a&feature=iv&src_vid=sohGDfNQV7M&v=c62Aqdlzvqk
 

5 Simple Rules for Filling Your Bank Account

My sister-in-law shared this post on Facebook.  I find the woman in this story is the essence of dignity and true gratitude.  What if we all decided to "arrange our minds" to appreciate the good in life.  So much of how we see our world depends on choice.  We can choose to be unhappy or we can choose to be positive and appreciative, no matter where we find ourselves, or what our circumstance.  I don't know about you, but when I grow up (and I hope I will--quickly) I want to be just like this lady!

   This is the story of a 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud lady.  She is fully dressed each morning by eight o’clock, with her hair fashionably coiffed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind.  She moved to a nursing home today. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready. As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window. “I love it,” she stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. “Mrs. Jones, you haven’t seen the room …. just wait.” “That doesn’t have anything to do with it,” she replied. “Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn’t depend on how the furniture is arranged, it’s how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. It’s a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I’ll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I’ve stored away, just for this time in my life.” She went on to explain, “Old age is like a bank account, you withdraw from what you’ve put in. So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank. I am still depositing.” And with a smile, she said: “Remember the five simple rules to be happy: 1. Free your heart from hatred. 2. Free your mind from worries. 3. Live simply. 4. Give more. 5. Expect less.       Shared by John at Suspended Coffees There is absolutely nothing I can add to that.     Have a wonderful, happy day!                                                                                  

In 2014, "Select" and "Delete" as Necessary

Did you find a large jar for keeping your 2014 remembrances of the good in your life?  If you don't know what I'm referring to, or if you haven't yet acquired your "blessing jar", I want to encourage you to read my Dec. 30th post, and look for a container large enough to hold your expressions of gratitude in 2014!

That said, I want to wish all of my readers a Happy New Year!   I think it's a natural instinct to want to do better and become better people, and the New Year is a perfect time for assessing those desires and mapping out ways to accomplish our goals.  In the past few weeks, I've noted a number of Facebook friends who have mentioned a desire to write more positive messages, and speak from a more positive perspective in 2014.  Since I've had that same desire, I thought I'd  address it in this post.

I believe my friends, to a person, are wonderful, kind people.  Yet, I've noticed that on
Facebook they are sometimes inclined to speak about issues from a negative perspective.  I can understand this.  I've done it myself.  However, most times, in  the very act of spouting off a negative comment, I've asked myself, "how productive is that approach?"  In fact, the last time I wrote from a negative mindset, I erased it.  I'm supposed to be the "positive momma of gratitude" after all, and I felt it unbecoming to write what I wrote, so I used the "select" and "delete" features on my computer to undo the potential damage.  Don't get me wrong, I am well aware of a great many issues in our society that need addressing, and ignoring them isn't on my list of "effective approaches to problem solving".  So, how do we allow ourselves to be aware of problems and share our concerns without inviting negativity and criticism to dominate our communications?  Good question, and not one always easily answered.

As a full time caregiver of a husband whose illness (Parkinson's disease, depression, and oncoming dementia) seems to be overcoming him, I often feel exhausted.  First, by the physical demands that are increasing as his illness progresses, and second, by the emotional toll taken as I watch someone I love become less and less able to care for his own needs.  This is a situation that not only affects his abilities, it affects mine.  Because he must have someone here with him all the time, I no longer have the ability to work to help provide for our needs.  We are able to manage, but work provides a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that is absent now that I find myself washing laundry every day and helping someone with his personal care.  In fact, if I am not careful about my focus, I can get downright grumpy.  It is for that reason that I have become particularly careful about performing a daily review for opportunities to be grateful. It is for the same reason that I am determined not to follow a path of criticism and negativity--about anything--since one negative thought seems to lead to another, and that is a journey I DO NOT want to take!

So, back to the question, "How do we allow ourselves to be aware of problems and share our concerns without inviting negativity and criticism?"  Here are a few of my thoughts on the subject:

1.  Gratitude is a very good beginning.  Develop the habit of looking for the good in life, we are inclined to see more good, and to dwell on the blessings that surround us, as we acknowledge the blessings we can readily see.  Record those blessings in a journal--or write them down and drop them into your "blessing jar".  They will help you be more mindful of all the good in your life.
2. Since bad stuff happens, unkindness finds its way into our lives, people disappoint us, and life can sometimes be difficult and discouraging, my simple encouragement is, do what you can and encourage others to do what they can. Many hands, and a combination of talents and resources can often render wonderful results.
3. Realize that sometimes things don't work out, but that doesn't mean you are a failure.  Look for lessons to be learned.  Write them down and express gratitude for them.
4. If someone has been especially disappointing, or you just can't think of even one good thing to say about them, try this approach:  Sit quietly somewhere you won't be disturbed.  Breath deeply and allow yourself to relax.  As you relax, picture brilliant white light, filled with love, encircling you from head to foot.  Allow yourself to be bathed in this gentle, positive light.  You might choose to picture it as the light of Christ, or as the embrace of someone you feel especially close to.  Relax in this light and love for several minutes.  It is important that you don't skimp on this step, you will need to feel totally relaxed and embraced by the light.  Don't move on to the next step until you do.     Once you feel completely relaxed, allow the light to extend out from you, finding its way to the person who has disappointed you, or toward whom you have hard feelings.  Allow the light to embrace him and to penetrate every bit of his being.  As it does, say a prayer for this person's welfare and success in doing what is right as God sees the right.  This step and this wording eliminates any judgement or any need on your part to decide what the person should do or be;   kind of the "let go and let God" approach used in AA.  Just let this prayer flow though you and into the other person until your mind is totally settled and you are able to let all negative feelings subside and disappear.  This may take several minutes, but allow it whatever time it requires.  Do this daily until you can think of  the person or situation without becoming agitated, and you can see the situation from an objective viewpoint, allowing the person to be who he is and do what he does.  You may still want to facilitate changes in regard to what this person is doing (as per #2 above) but now you can attempt those changes without the drag of negativity, judgment and criticism.
5. Realize that as you focus on the positive, you are blessing your own life and health.  Studies have shown that those who practice gratitude and a positive perspective have better heart health, are more creative, sleep better, and produce more of the "feel good" brain chemicals like serotonin. So, what do you have to lose?
6. Watch what you feel, and watch what you say.  "Select"  and "Delete" as necessary.

I hope these suggestions will help you to develop and exercise a more consistently positive outlook in 2014.  I know that the above approaches have benefited me as I have sought to live life from a perspective of gratitude, speaking in ways that will uplift others.  Am I always successful?  No.  But I have become more adept as I have used these approaches, and I expect I will yet make improvements.  So, my best to you as you also seek ways to bless your own life and the lives of others who share your world!

Rejoice in the Good of 2013

 

As I contemplated what I should write in this last post of 2013, I had to happily consider what a blessing it is look forward to a new year, and a fresh start.  Fresh starts give us a clean slate and a perspective free of mess and clutter.  However, even as we consider the year ahead of us, I think it would be a great loss to go into that year without embracing, and carrying with us, the many joys we experienced during the past twelve months.  So, as you look forward to 2014, take those great memories with you!

What did you experience during 2013 that warmed your heart and filled your life with love, laughter, hope, and gratitude?  Before the ball drops in Times Square tomorrow night, make a list of some of 2013's highlights.  Tuck it into your journal or purse and keep it for ready reference because, as you and I both know, 2014 will sometimes challenge our sense of appreciation.  Having a quick reference to past blessings will allow us to find hope and peace as we recall the people and occasions that have graced our lives.

As I took the week of Christmas off from writing, I found myself mulling over what I would post today, and this idea of reviewing the blessings of 2013 came to mind.  I think it is a valuable suggestion, not because I came up with it, but for several other reasons:

•   First, it is a great way to end the year on a positive note. 
•   Second, it will give us a period of pause in which memories of positive experiences will lend  calm and joy to our life.  
•   Third, the very act of recalling and recording good memories calms and regulates our heart rhythms and helps to stabilize our blood pressure.  Just think of the positive effect the daily practice of gratitude could have on your life if you did something similar each day! For that reason, I found the suggestion to the right very interesting: 

This was apparently posted for last year, but it is just as appropriate for 2014.  A year from now, as you review your blessings, it will provide a ready made time capsule of the many joys you encountered along your path, and the events that laced richness and love into your life.  The only fault I find with the suggestion, as given, is that the jar will prove far too small.  While you may want to start with a quart jar, just for convenience, look for a very large jar--one of those old fashioned pickle type jars.  Check in with your local school cafeteria.  They may be able to supply one.  I think you'll find you're gonna need it!!
Have a blessed time reviewing the joys of 2013!