The month of January is the beginning of a new year.  It is time when we take a moment to reflect on where we are in life and where we want to be.  It is a time to look at the positive side of any circumstances you face.  You only have two options.  If you don’t fill your mind with positive thoughts, it will be filled with negative thoughts instead.  Complaining and worrying would release negative hormones in your body and harm your health, whereas focusing on the positive aspects of life would release positive hormones in the body and improve health and happiness.  A positive mindset is one of the attributes of successful people.

The beginning of a New Year is a blank piece of paper.  It is a chance to redesign your life into something different.  You can list the things you want to accomplish and develop a plan to pursue them.  A clear vision backed by definite plans gives you a tremendous feeling of confidence and personal power.  I hope it will include helping others who may be less fortunate with the objective to brighten their day.  Move out of your comfort zone.  You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.  Develop an attitude of gratitude and give thanks for everything that happens to you knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something better than you current situation.  If you have the attitude that it will be a great day or year it usually is.

We live in a great community with great people.  Some who settled here from pioneer stock.  It is wonderful place to live and has attracted significant growth.  It will continue to grow in the years ahead.  We need to plan ahead for this growth and seek directions from everyone as to how we accomplish this.  I think of the statement made by President John F. Kennedy when he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”  I would paraphrase that to say ask not what your city can do for you – ask what you can do for your city.  With that attitude we can continue to enjoy the great blessing of living in North Ogden.

It is my hope in the coming year you may have happiness in your homes and we may continue to help and serve one another.

Happy New Year!