Welcome the New Year!

“But all endings are also beginnings. We just don’t know it at the time.” – Mitch Albom in his novel, The Five People you Meet in Heaven.

The winged chariot of time has taken us to the threshold of yet another year. And we do know that this ending is a beginning - the end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009. So, Adieu 2008 and Welcome 2009!

According to Roman mythology, January gets its name from Janus, the God of gates and doors, guardian of Exits and Entrances. ‘Janus’ is of Latin origin and means gateway. Romans worshipped Janus at every event that marked a beginning for them, like birthday, marriage, harvesting and any other kind of ending. Janus was revered so much that his dual faced image adorned the city gates and Roman coins. It is due to this unenviable position that he also got the remarkable privilege of being named as the first month of the year!

Depicted with a two-faced head, each looking in the opposite directions – one looking at what lies ahead and one looking at what lies behind, Janus is truly symbolic of the introspection one has to do when at the threshold of a beginning and an ending. Contemplate on the happenings of the year gone by and assimilate the wisdom gleaned from them while looking forward to an exciting new one. How can you make the year a truly exciting one?

Eight Gifts That Don't Cost anything - am sure these, practised diligently, will ensure a fabulous 2009 for us...

1. THE GIFT OF LISTENING...
But, we must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning our response. Just listen.

2. THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love we have for family and friends

3. THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Our gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

4. THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE...
It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

5. THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT...
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job", or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

6. THE GIFT OF A FAVOR...
Every day, go out of our way to do something kind.

7. THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE...
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

8. THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION...
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone, really it's not that hard, to say, "Hello" or "Thank You".

We give and receive gifts each and every day. Gifts do not have to be monetary in value. How many gifts can we give this year?

Let us enrich ourselves by giving abundantly, sincerely and selflessly…
Wish you a great 2009, the best you have ever had! May you have abundant joy, wholesome health, magnetic and fulfilling relationships, serene tranquility, burgeoning wealth and boundless enthusiasm!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!