In whispered dreams, the old year fades,
With lessons learned and joys that cascaded.
The clock strikes twelve, a vibrant sigh,
A tapestry of stars, the endless sky.
Hope unfurls like blossoms in spring,
Each petal cradling the joy we bring.
With every heartbeat, let courage arise,
To paint the future in radiant skies.
Beneath the weight of yesterday’s care,
We rise together, inspired to dare.
With hands held tight, we’ll journey this way,
Chasing the dawn of a brand new day.
Through laughter and tears, we’ll weave our fate,
With dreams of kindness that will not wait.
Let love be the compass, let grace be the guide,
As we walk forward side by side.
So here’s to the moments yet to be made,
To hopes rekindled, and fears laid to shade.
In the heart of this year, let happiness bloom—
A sanctuary of light, dispelling the gloom.
Raise your glass to the future, bright and bold,
With every story waiting to be told.
Together we’ll cherish, together we’ll strive,
In this New Year’s promise, we’ll truly thrive.
The year won’t close without my resolutions. 1) Replace sugar as my primary food group; 2) publish my memoire, A330 study guide, children’s book,Yes I Can, and the final novel in the flight for series; 3) Win the PNWA horror contest; 4) finally start law school, yes I applied; 5) take a golf lesson or two; 6) accept what I cannot change and have the courage to change what I can; 7) Lift weights daily to strengthen my bones; 8) start each day with a prayer of gratitude to strengthen my soul, 9) find grace and forgiveness for all, including myself, and 10) laugh louder, smile often, and practice patience daily.
12 Comments
My resolution is to understand that, while the past is important, the future brings much more joy. Living for the future and not focusing on the past, is a priceless resolution.
Terry, that is so true because the past cannot be changed. I’m actually working to live in the present. If we can find joy in the moment, we don’t have to wait. Thank you for this reminder. Live in for today, and you never have to wait for happiness. Today might be all we have. Happy New Year!!
Nice of you to share.
#1 and #7 resonate with me. There’s always room for improvement in our diets and physical activity.
I remember from your book “flight to success” a comment you made: “Those who do.”
Thank you for the example you set for us.
Paul, those are the easiest things to do. One little change by the end of the year can improve your health. And at the end of the day, if we don’t have that…not much else counts. Thank you so much for your comment! I know you are one who does.
The clock of life is wound but once,
Ad no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.
To lose one’s wealth is sad indeed,
To lose one’s health is more,
to lose one’s souls is such a loss,
That no man can restore.
The present only is our own,
So live, love, toil with a will,
Place no faith in “Tomorrow”,
For The CLOCK may then be still.
RH Smith.
Press on….brave heart.
Ahh…. Thank you Tom! That was beautiful!!! Happy New Year!
Dear Karlene,
On top of all you are and do…
you write poetic romantic words very nicely.
I have been following you for a long period of time.
What you fight for is such a big challenge..
Wishing you ALL THE BEST!
Health, Happiness, Love & Light in 2026!
Keep on writing messages and poetry.
You are such an inspiration!
Honestly, in my 55 year pilot career, I have never seen anyone so motivated and dedicated as you are.
God and Life Bless you always!
Aimé
Dear Aimé I cannot thank you enough for your kind words. I have been blessed… We are only given what we can carry. Now, ironically as I write this I am listening to a random playlist and the song playing is “I’m still standing”… a message. Thank you for sharing that 55 year perspective, maybe I can make a difference, maybe not.But all we can do is our best. I wish you all the health, happiness and blessing possible to you and your family!! Happy New Year!
Yesterday I drove leaving Houston at 0500 to Hondo, Texas. Why? A funeral for an AF Reserve friend who had pancreatic cancer. Close to 500 miles round trip. Back home around 6:00 pm. This time in life so much of that is happening.
Earlier this week I met one of the United Chief Pilots at the Houston base. He recalled my speaking to him in 2008. I explained I retired 23 Oct 2006, two years earlier. I had nothing to do with Continental after my retirement. But, he was sure I had reached out to him for help. He could not imagine he made a mistake I guess? Which of course, he never gave any help, but acted as if he had, ha, ha! At least that behaivor was consistent for those who came up under the Frank Lorenzo mindset of “I’ve got mine, fuck you!” thinking. (smile) You have seen that mindset before have you not? (smile)
Feb 2010 I went to work for the FAA in Alaska. Was as an Air Carrier Safety Inspector. Aug 2010 I was terminated! Why? Who knows, my guess, fear? What I do know – an avonic inspector in what should be seen as a grand conspiracy, one orchestrated by the Sr. VP Fred Abbott (Continental Airlines Sr. Flight Ops VP). I can only guess. His previous acts or inaction my last 5+ years would have been an embarrassment to me if I had been sitting in his chair in his air conditioned office. Remember, he had his horse farm expenses to pay each month? Who knows? I find it always interesting when someone who has reached out on their own and made trouble for another, then refuses to answer simple questions as to why… is unwilling to speak to explain why! Such is a most interesting adventure in life. To see how people think is fascinating. Especially when we see highly paid leaders who are in positions of leadership but shackled down by their own “ignorance” and definitely “arrogance”. One observation – if one works for honest people who follow a moral code of honesty, one is immensely fortunate in our modern day world. That is rare. Rarer today then in the 1960’s when I was beginning my path of aviation adventure, ha, ha! Wonder why?
Karlene it is a honor to know you as a friend and that you have a moral code few out there duplicate making you a diamond in the rough. Like minds in our quest to do the right things to help others and especially our follow on generations.
John, the honor knowing you is mine. You have travel a path I followed. But there is a reason for all and one day we may know or not. But standing up to the wrong and doing the right is all we can do. Happy New Year to you and your family!!! I’m sorry for the loss of your friend. Yes… too many. But once again, you showed up in life and in death… the meaning of a friend.
As I do my Karlene binge reading (Books 7 and 8), I reflect to our retreat at Kalani in 2013(ish). Little did I know the powerful person I was sharing yoga classes with. (Yes, I ended my sentence with a preposition. I’m a published author now, so I can CHOOSE to defy the rules lol.) May 2026 bring you joy and fulfillment of those resolutions; you’ve inspired me yet again.
Lol… Yes we can defy the writing rules!!! I’m looking forward when we can reconnect. Those special people we meet along the way in life, I am so fortunate to have met you. Such and amazing woman! https://karlenepetitt.blogspot.com/2024/07/living-donors.html