Page 2 - Sonoma County Gazette Janaury 2019

Dear Readers
So MANY Reasons to be Optimistic!
At this time of year we have lots of Year-End Wrap-Ups and predictions for the coming year. Looking back is always easier than looking forward. But doing a bit of each is a good practice. Learn from what has transpired...plan for what is ahead. Set goals & aspirations - Go ahead...DREAM BIG!
Between Climate Change disasters and politcal mayhem, it’s easy to get discouraged, so we have to put on those rose-colored glasses and stand above the clouds where the sun is always shining. Step back - look long.
Nothing EVER stays the same.
This TOO Shall Pass.
One of the delightful aspects of getting older is that we can look back to see that life worked out in unexpected ways. The tragedy that seemed like we would never recover from turned into an opportunity for change we never would have instigated ourselves. The loss that left a hole in out hearts opened room for new experiences, people, objects to come in to what had been a place too full for more.
Did you know that your are not alone?
Did you KNOW that people will open their arms and lives to help you when you need it?
Did you KNOW that generosity of spirit is so pervasive that it touches you even when you don’t need it?
All across the planet people, critters, environment are all suffering from the impacts of humanity. What’s the UP side? While some continue to destroy, others find ways to FIX what is broken.
Environmental scientists clean watersheds. Ornithologists bring birds back to areas where invading predators have destroyed entire species. Where there was once forest that became desert becomes forest again.
Because we are a PLANET, we can SEE our connections to each other.
We LEARN what needs to be done and WE DO IT!
Within these pages are GIFTS of stories where GOOD PEOPLE are making
our world better, taking care of each other, and contributing to everyone’s life...no matter who you are.
We also offer OPPORTUNITIES for YOU to join other good people, from volunteering to clean a creek, hike a mountain, teach children to read...so many ways to feel god about the life you are living...to leave the world a better place than the one in which you were born.
Let their beams of light and hope touch your heart and mind when you need to feel that there is REASON to BELIEVE...
remember... LIFE is Getting BETTER All the Time.
2 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 1/19