Your Magnum Opus

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not, rich; to listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common – this is my symphony. William Henry Channing

While the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to passionately pursue new goals and personal dreams, it is also the best time to make certain you are going after the right goals with the right focus.  Be certain as you establish your new goals and objectives that they are indeed yours and that you are not setting yourself up for frustration and failure – 2010 is your symphony to create and share.

In all of your striving, set aside time to think deeply and time to think of nothing.  Create space to enjoy the best from the people around you, young and old, rich and poor, successful and struggling – you can learn from each and you can add value to each.

Never be content with mediocrity, but be content with the small and simple.  Focus on your total wealth, which includes your talents, blessings, relationships, experiences, wisdom and happiness, rather than just a bottom-line tally of your monetary assets.

Avoid hurry sickness like the plague and turn off the beeps, tweets and buzzers which tend to run, and often ruin, your day.  In short, make each day, your day, and remember that what you do with this day matters, because you are trading those precious hours and minutes for something.  Make sure that when tomorrow comes you will not regret the price you have paid for today.

Today is your symphony, do not be content to play just one note on one instrument – instead gather all of the sounds, musicians, music, players and instruments around you and let each add the richness of your day and the dynamic of your symphony.

A true symphony tells a story, your story, with emotionally stirring peaks and lonely valleys, triumph rising as a phoenix from the ashes of tragedy, fear fighting its failing battle against hope, heartache ultimately giving way to happiness.  The greatest symphonies emerge when the composer and conductor completely lose themselves in the journey of their song.

2010 is before you, the opportunities and players you need for success, in all of its forms, are right before you and they are at the ready – Grab the baton and let the music play – Make 2010 your Magnum Opus!