Good Samaritan Ministries: Embracing New Beginnings in 2023

#SpotlightStory

As 2022 winds down, and we look ahead to 2023, I have been meditating on a couple of my favorite quotes about new beginnings. The first of these comes from country singer/songwriter Brad Paisley and reads, “Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one!” Another is from journalist, philanthropist and former beauty queen, Germany Kent, “Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction.”

I love the reminder these quotes provide, that no matter the various trials and victories each day/month/year brings, we are constantly being presented with a blank slate (or perhaps a fork in the road is a better analogy). Each new moment brings with it an opportunity to grow and move forward in a direction that results in positive and lasting change.

And the beauty in all of this is, we don’t have to wait for a new year, a new job, or the perfect moment to grab hold of & run towards new beginnings. A new beginning could be as simple as learning some breathing techniques to help calm an overwhelmed nervous system, saying a few affirmations each morning, taking a yoga class, or grabbing lunch with a friend. The chance for a fresh start is all around us if we’ll only look.

Whatever your new beginnings are, my wish for the new year is this: that each and every one of us will fully embrace the power and abilities we have been uniquely endowed with, that we have grace with ourselves and others when we, (and they) fall short, that we recognize and are grateful for blessings as they happen, that we have courage to follow our dreams, and that we never stop hoping and never stop searching for opportunities to start again!

Good Samaritan Ministries (GSM) provides 1-1 counseling, therapy groups, counselor training, food pantries, widows & orphans support, and special events both locally and throughout 200 centers nationwide. All our services are covered by loving donations and volunteerism, and no one is ever turned away based on an inability to donate.

Call 503-644-2339 or visit us online at www.gsmusa.org to learn more or get involved.