To find joy in all that you do is one of the greatest gifts that you can give to yourself. As you become busier in your everyday life with the demands of jobs, friends, family and community, it becomes that much more important to connect daily with your inner spirit. This connection could be made through a meditation, a short prayer, or something as simple as the lighting of a candle.

When I wake up in the morning my first thought is “Thank you for this day”! What a blessing it is to be alive, to find joy in the simple things. Celebrate your healthy body. I have a friend who is 103 years old and everyday she sings, “I love my body”! Celebrate beautiful children, their ready smiles given and received. As our beloved Dalai Lama reminded me celebrate the good in the world. Focus on that and the world will be a better place. And to remember most of all, to celebrate your gifts that you bring forth in the world. We are all here together at this time for a very special reason. Seek out the truth like your life depends on it. Hake a clear intention on discovering what gifts you bring. There are no gifts that are too small. Follow your passion.

Remember to also celebrate the adversities and hardships, since these are what invite us to grow or move us in another direction. At times our challenges might overtake us and we ask, “Why me”? The answer is that you have called it to you. Some of our biggest challenges can be our best gifts. Celebrate the perfect divine plan that enfolds in all that you do to bring you to the perfect self that you are.