Well, it is now the day after Christmas — possibly, depending on when you get your paper and how quickly you sit down to read it — and many of you are relaxing, enjoying leftovers and thinking about what the last week has brought you.
Many will have had wonderful family gatherings, but some will have had a bit of a sad time, remembering those lost during the year, or years past, both family and friends. You will be saddened by the loss. But hopefully you will also think with fond memories about the good times you had with those cherished souls.
So as the year 2019 comes to an end, and we ponder all of the good times, along with some of the bad. Let’s keep in mind that no matter how challenging this year has been, there were plenty of wins as well.
Remember the smile you received from that nice woman when you held the door for her.
Remember the little baby in the stroller who smiled up at you with those bright wondrous eyes.
Remember the little hug and kiss you got from your partner, for no other reason but that they cared.
Remember the wave from the person who stopped their car and let you turn left.
Remember looking up at the stars on a warm summer night, while looking at the mouth of the Niagara River with only a few other people there to enjoy it with you, and that knowing smile that passed between you all.
Remember finding the last parking spot at the valu-mart when you needed to rush in for a last minute item.
Remember when you dropped a package and the person behind you picked it up and handed it to you, with that bright smile and the kind words, “you dropped this.”
Remember when you planned that family picnic along the Niagara River Parkway, and the weather was a little iffy, but when 3 p.m. came the clouds parted, and the sun came out.
Remember when you were walking down Queen Street and you saw tourists in complete awe of where you live. Tourists who came from all over the world just to gaze at the wonders of this magnificent little town.
Remember finding a perfect card or gift for a special person in your life, and how wonderful it felt when they opened it, gasped and gave you the biggest hug ever.
Remember running into an old school friend you haven’t seen for years and how great it was to take the time to talk about all of the good days you spent together.
Remember the evenings, alone with a glass of local wine in front of a warm fire, thinking about how blessed you are.
Finally, remember you are the one with all of those wonderful moments in time that really made 2019 worth living.
My hope is that even though some of the memories might have not been so pleasant, the really special ones will be what you carry with you today, and in the future.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays.
Ted Mouradian is the President of the 2% Factor Inc. and creator of the Law of Cooperative Action. He is an author and professional speaker and can be reached at
ted@the2percentfactor.com .