Taking a Moment to Reflect......

The year is coming to a close and with the holiday season coming to an end soon, I couldn't help but reflect on some great accomplishments I've made over the past year:

1. Budgeting My Time Better and Working Towards My Goals- this was something I wasn't particularly very good at prior to coming into 2010 but have come quite a long way in where I was a year ago
   
2. Being Able To Photograph Solon Comets Football Games For Their Incredible 2010 Season - being on the sidelines this season was incredible and I am thankful to all of those who made it a success. I had an awesome time getting to know the players, fans, parents and anyone who was supportive during the season. It was an honor to take these pictures during the season and I am grateful for the experience. I am thankful for Jim McQuaide and his staff, Jim McQuaide (his son), Athletic Director Mark McGuire, Sandy Ellis, the parents and the Solon Comets faithful.
   
3. Having My Pictures Put on Display at the Applebee's Restaurant in Solon- one of my goals was to find different ways to share my photos and with the help of Tammy Strom from the Solon Schools, some of my pictures from Solon Comets football and baseball made their way into Applebees. I can't thank Tammy enough for her help with this and seeing my pictures up there for the first time was an experience.
4. Getting Published in Terry Pluto's Book "Things I've Learned While Watching the Browns"- I submitted in a piece in regards to why I watch the Browns day in and day out and if you look on page 70 of his book, you can see what I wrote. I am thankful for Terry and his publishers for using my piece.
   
5. Having an Awesome Set of Friends and Coworkers
   
6. Having the Opportunity to Work with the Awesome People on various projects at Mavis Winkle's
   
7. Having a loving family
   

Post from a friend...

This is a post my friend and activist Britni Tozzi recently posted on her blog. She is planning on doing a mission trip to Africa again and her story is quite incredible. I know I have dedicated this blog to a lot of my sports heroes but wanted to take a moment to honor a real hero and true blessing in my life.

http://britnitozzi.blogspot.com/2010/12/seeds-of-growth-great-thanks-to-you.html?spref=tw

Take Time To Be Grateful

As the year is coming to a close, you may be looking back at both the good and the bad from the past year. Every year is different but there are usually good points and moments to be grateful for during that time. Before the year ends, take time to really think about the good moments from the past year and be grateful for those times.

To start off, take time to be grateful for those you have met and helped you along the way. Chances are, you came across people who helped you professionally or personally during the year. These people may have helped get you through a rough situation, may have helped you land a position or been a shoulder to cry on at times. Take a few moments to remember who was there for you during the good times and the bad, the people who were the first to say congratulations when you landed that big promotion or job, or who were always there for you no matter what. Take time to realize who these people are and find a way to say thank you.

Once you have done that, take time to be grateful for any goals you have accomplished. When looking back at where you were at previously, you may realize you have come along way from a certain point. Take a few moments to realize where you started, what path you took and how far you came from a previous point. You might end up being surprised as to how far along the path you have walked and how much you have accomplished.

Lastly, take time to realize what lies ahead for you and what opportunities may arise. Take time to realize what can be ahead in your future, how these opportunities came about and why you are excited. Having a solid foundation with opportunities is an incredible thing to be grateful for and be thankful for what is in store.

Before the year is over, take time to be grateful; you might be surprised as to how much you have in store for you.