2012 wow what a year! For us it was massive with the greatest highs and the deepest lows but somehow we came through it all. I am sure the roller coaster will continue into the next few years, for looking at the world process it does seem like we are still being a little reluctant about the deep and meaningful changes that we need to make. We are being asked to embrace a new way of being, and change fundamentally how we relate to each other; but instead of embracing this change we are acting more like a pouting puritan than a passionate lover.

Towards the end of 2012 while watching the news in China we were constantly reminded about how badly our banks have behaved over the last few years, as now they are reaping the whirlwind of regular fines. It is also humbling to realize how many of the fined banks are UK institutions. These are institutions we have, in the past, projected our finest qualities on of loyalty, integrity and service only to find they are actually just like the rest of us – greedy, dishonest and self interested. Bankers have joined that growing list of people like the police, doctors and health administrators, churchmen and politicians, people we have placed on pedestals only to discover them wanting or maybe simply human.

Perhaps this New Year it is time for us to stop placing our faith in others to save us and recognize that it is us who are called to step up. For us we think the first area to do that is in being more in service to those around us. Service is an essential aspect of vision and leadership; service also plays a significant part in our purpose because whatever purpose or contribution we have come to make involves everybody. Naturally when we are independent we imagine ourselves marching purposefully forward into some wild place being very upright but entirely alone. This is not the case; A Course in Miracles clearly states that everyone is part of our purpose and therefore we must be part of everyone else’s purpose.

As we sit down to draw up our lists of resolutions for the New Year, the first one could be that we will not add anything to our lists that is just about us but rather focus on how we can reach out and support those around us. Who out there is struggling to implement a new vision, or stepping forward in leadership with a project that will help others that we could support? This needn’t be in a way of sacrifice or by telling them what they are doing wrong, but by putting our love and support behind them, and giving them the encouragement not to give up and so inspire others. In 2012 we have been so inspired by the efforts of our Olympians to achieve great successes and now maybe it is time for us to put our support behind our neighbours, our friends and our families.

Take a moment and think of someone in your community who would love to know they are not alone. As you do this, there may be actions that you are inspired to contribute. But actions are not essential; while our good deeds are important, we also need to recognize that our positive and powerful intention aligned with our actions is infinitely more effective in building a happy and successful community of equals.

Love,

Sue and Jeff