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A New Year's resolution....

12/30/2016

6 Comments

 
by Gwendolyn M Plano
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I awoke this morning thinking about a plastic frog. Yep, that’s right, a plastic frog – one that my youngest son gave me when he was about six years old. The memory made me giggle so deeply, that I had to jump out of bed lest I awaken my husband.
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My son had gone on a school trip to Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts. When he returned, he excitedly presented me with a little bag. “I got a gift for you Mommy,” he said repeatedly as he jumped up and down. Well, when I looked in the bag and saw the frog, I didn’t know what to say. But, my youngest said it for me, “He has your favorite colors, Mommy.” And sure enough, the frog was green with shades of fall. I contained my laughter and told him I loved my frog (what mother wouldn’t?), and the colors were perfect!

With three sons, our home was often filled with creatures I’d rather only see in the yard (at best). At times, there were frogs, lizards, gerbils, mice, a prairie dog, rabbits (thankfully mostly outside) and dogs. At least the gifted frog was plastic.

This early morning reverie prompted me to think about my favorite gifts over the years. Many, like the frog, brought me laughter. How about yours?

I’m not one for making New Year’s resolutions. I’m too much of a dreamer to faithfully keep promises - of more exercise or weight loss or whatever; but, 2016 left me raw and wanting. Did it you? Because of my experience this past year, I am inclined to make my first and only resolution for 2017. Maybe you’d like to join me. It is:

                             When times get crazy, I will focus on the plastic frog.

Have a Happy New Year’s dear friends, and may we all laugh often and love more.

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6 Comments
John Howell link
12/30/2016 09:57:16

Excellent idea, Gwen. When times get stressful concentrate on something that gave you joy. I have been blessed with a host of items which will sever the purpose. Thank you for the idea. Happy 2017

Reply
Gwen Plano link
12/30/2016 11:52:01

Thank you John...I've been learning from your great examples. Happy 2017 to you as well!

Reply
John Fioravanti link
12/31/2016 12:43:10

A delightful post with which to end the year, Gwen! I don't make any resolutions anymore either. I pray for survival! All the best to you and your family in 2017, Gwen!

Reply
Gwen Plano link
1/1/2017 09:52:45

Thank you, John....All the best to you and yours as well! Survival - yes! And, my frog might help us :).

Reply
Jan Sikes link
12/31/2016 14:59:36

Perfect, Gwen!! Focus on the plastic frog! I also do not make New Year's resolutions, but I do choose a word every year to be my mantra, theme or North Star for the year. For 2017, my word is Believe!! Happy New Year, sweet lady!

Reply
Gwen Plano link
1/1/2017 09:57:05

Oh I love your word mantra! How perfect! I hadn't thought of my frog as a mantra, but it is a great visual for laughter (joy!). Thank you for the visit and the insight!

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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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