NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

December has always been a month of celebration for me , regardless of how many hits and misses I experienced throughout the year . I have learned from a wise lady , my Cajun Mom , Ginger , that there are no misses in life ! Everything is good , and it is a matter of one ’ s perspective !

This year is no different . Although there are plenty of things on my to-do list I managed to accomplish , including buying a brand-new SUV a day before Thanksgiving , there are also a few unchecked boxes left . However , I am happy with how the year has turned out , especially with contributing to the joy and happiness of others I have encountered .

Ginger , a honeybee keeper by day and a ballroom dancer by night , is the most positive and jovial person I have ever known . Her bubbly personality always drew praise from everyone she met . She believed we always have choices in assessing our daily lives when confronted with challenging situations . Ginger always leads off every consoling advice with her signature phrase , “ And The Good News Is …” followed by the biggest smile of confidence ! Somehow , she can see the silver linings in all the difficult and arduous experiences I shared with her .

Ginger taught me that Faith Comforts , Hope Inspires , and Love Empowers ! With faith , I could constructively look back into the past and draw the energy needed to create the hope I needed to plan for a new future . Her unconditional motherly love fuels the lamp , which leads me to a new beginning each time . She is quick to remind me , “ Johnny , have faith ! Look at all you have accomplished from the other life ’ s challenges . The current situation is no different . Let the history of past successes comfort you as you regroup and refocus . Allow hope to present a clean sheet of paper for you to write your new chapter in re-inventing yourself .” So , needless to say , I have fresh insights on all the unchecked boxes and am excited to give them another goaround in the coming weeks !

During this holiday season , when we expand the mindset of “ And The Good News Is …”, we can now look at the happenings around us with a fresh new perspective . Since we live in a global village with a lifestyle to match , where families can only get together during special occasions , and not to mention the current humanitarian chaos around us , this holiday season has become more significant than ever .

Many people are blessed to have a family to spend the holidays with . Then , there are those among us who are lucky to earn the opportunity to experience the family holiday spirit thanks to the generosity of our friends . Others , however , are less fortunate due to various circumstances , but we have found a home from within our hearts over the years . Whatever the situation is for you , if we can all take a moment to be mindful , we can experience and enjoy the true holiday spirit as it is meant to be . Below are some food for thought , which is nothing less than the joy and happiness of the human experience .

4 | Inspirations for Better Living • December 2023