According to polls and many I've spoken to or worked with, 2011 was a year that couldn't end soon enough. As the global recession and various wars continued, politics got uglier and, well, many seem to think 2012 can't be much worse.
Many have heard about 2012 as the year the ancient Mayan calendar ends (on 12/21/12) which has been interpreted either as a doomsday prophecy or, conversely, as the coming of some positive quantum shift(s) for mankind and planet Earth. Whatever happens, as Shakespeare said: "only thinking makes it so."
2012 will be a monumental year for most Americans with our presidential election. It is also a pivotal year for potential war or peace with the withdrawal of troops from Iraq (and Afghanistan as hoped for by summer). Will the Arab Spring freeze in this winter or continue to bloom? Will the Occupy movement grow or dissipate? Will the world's economy rebound or crack?
When I get anxious about the future, I have to continually remind myself to stay in the day. I also have to remind myself to focus on the essence of the Serenity Prayer--to have the courage to change the things I can, the serenity to accept the things I can't, and the wisdom to know the difference.
2011 certainly had its ups and downs but what year doesn't? I'm choosing to remain positive about 2012 as a whole. I look forward to being part of the solution rather than part of the problem--whatever we judge the "problem" to be.
What steps can you take to help the planet and mankind evolve into what you hope to see? Be the change you want to see.
Where we see greed, may we practice generosity (with self and others).
Where we see dishonesty, may we practice honesty and integrity.
Where we see strife, may we practice peace and serenity.
Where we see ignorance, may we practice compassion and understanding.
Where we see anger and revenge, may we practice forgiveness.
Where we see lack, may we practice gratitude and abundance.
Where we see doom, may we practice hope and trust.
Let us each do our best to take one day at a time to help co-create a better life for us all. Our thoughts and feelings and actions have ripple effects beyond what we may realize.
Terrence Daryl Shulman , is a Detroit area therapist, attorney, author, and consultant. He is the founder and Director of The Shulman Center for Compulsive Theft & Spending. He is the author “Bought Out and $pent! Recovery from Compulsive $hopping and $pending” (2008), “Biting The Hand That Feeds: The Employee Theft Epidemic… New Perspectives, New Solutions” (2005) and “Something for Nothing: Shoplifting Addiction and Recovery” (2003). Mr. Shulman can be reached at terrenceshulman@theshulmancenter.com or 248-358-8508. His websites include www.theshulmancenter.com and www.shopaholicsanonymous.org. Mr. Shulman does counseling and consulting locally and by phone.
Terry is organizing and presenting at The Third International Conference on Compulsive Theft, Spending & Hoarding on Saturday October 1, 2011 from 8:30am – 4:30pm in Detroit at The Embassy Suites Detroit Metro Airport Hotel. See www.theshulmancenter.com/conference11.htm.
Terrence Daryl Shulman , is a Detroit area therapist, attorney, author, and consultant. He is the founder and Director of The Shulman Center for Compulsive Theft & Spending. He is the author “Bought Out and $pent! Recovery from Compulsive $hopping and $pending” (2008), “Biting The Hand That Feeds: The Employee Theft Epidemic… New Perspectives, New Solutions” (2005) and “Something for Nothing: Shoplifting Addiction and Recovery” (2003). Mr. Shulman can be reached at 