marcoujor: Promises, Promises

​Welcoming 2017

In my first post of this new year, promise seemed a natural issue for exploration and thought.

For as long as I can remember, CAC has given me two bayberry taper candles for a Christmas gift. Once again, this New Year's Eve, as I lit the candles on our fireplace mantel, I spoke the legend aloud.​

​A bayberry candle burned to the socket,
will bring joy to the heart and gold to the pocket.

​For as long as I can remember, I have given my husband flower bulbs for a Christmas gift. This year's gift included hyacinth, daffodils and paper whites.

Both of these traditions symbolize hope, growth and promise for a new year with a clean slate. In times of societal and political uncertainty, it seems that promises made to ourselves assume even more importance.

​I haven't made a resolution in the new year in a very long 

Image via gururu2 of Pixabay. Click the pic to visit their gallery there.

time. Not keeping a resolution (as most of mine were rather unattainable) felt like I was breaking a promise to myself. 

I do, however, remind myself on a daily basis of some of the wisest words Mom ever shared with me...

"Whenever possible, put away your cares and worries before retiring for the night. Leave your mind free preparing the body for its necessary sleep and rest. A new day will arrive with dawn."

This song, dedicated to Sannel Larson who will be seeing Sting in Sweden in June, 2017, is a perfect pause at this point. Here’s Sting (with Stevie Wonder), performing Brand New Day.

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“Tomorrow has not been PROMISED, so today I want all my family and friends to know how thankful I am for each and every one of you and how blessed I feel that you are all a part of my life.  Anonymous”

​I can hear my parents drumming these core principles in my head throughout my childhood:

• Don't make promises you can't keep.
  
• Your word is your honor.
  
• Actions speak louder than words.
  

I went through a time in my twenties when I sounded like a note from a high school yearbook. I hated the thought of saying 'no' or making anyone unhappy with my response, if you can imagine.

"Keep in touch. Let's do lunch. Call me soon, we need to catch up."

Thank heavens for age and the perspective gained through life experiences. For I haven't had the inclination to make an empty promise in a very long time.

There are those family and friends in my world (real or virtual) that I would stop anything I was doing and make time for. You all know who you are.

When working, my clients or students come first.

With clients, I learned early on never to make a promise I couldn't keep. People depend on their nurses and our word matters. As my parents instilled the values of honor, honesty and integrity in their children, so keeping my word has always come second nature.

• Don't make promises you can't keep.
  
• Your word is your honor.
  
• Actions speak louder than words.
  

With students, I keep my promise as evidenced by returning phone calls, helping with problems, giving constructive feedback on work and performance - all in a timely manner. Just as important, I encourage them to practice these principles - now and all through their nursing journey.

• Don't make promises you can't keep.
  
• Your word is your honor.
  
• Actions speak louder than words.
  

Hoping you enjoy this classic by Dionne Warwick, Promises, Promises

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Happy New Year
&
​Birthday Wishes

​Happy new year wishes to you, and hope you'll join me in wishing a happy 8th birthday to our Zoey.

She's meshing beautifully with the family and in the short time she's been with us, has delivered much joy and love.

Also, she's been a hit with my readers and is already developing her own virtual fan club.
​

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​ShoutOuts

☙ Air Canada via WarnerWords

☙ Who the heck're ya anyhow? Via Horse Biscuits

☙ Light Bringer’s Dawnland via flashPress

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​Until next week, wishing you peaceful purpose,

mar