This was sent to me by my friend Stefano Giau in Bali. It seems a good reminder to set our sights in the right direction as the new year begins. This is the view from the pond at my Villa Pantulan in Bali, which means ‘reflection’ in Balinese.

Take twelve whole months.
Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness,
hate, and jealousy.
Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or
thirty-one different parts,
but don’t make up the whole batch at once.
Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.

Mix well into each day
- one part of faith,
- one part of patience,
- one part of courage,
- one part of work.

Add to each day
- one part of hope,
- faithfulness,
- generosity,
- kindness.

Blend with
- one part prayer,
- one part meditation,
- one good deed.

Season the whole with a dash of good spirits,
a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play,
and a cupful of good humor.

Pour all this into a vessel of love.
Cook thoroughly over radiant joy,
garnish with a smile,
and serve with quietness,
unselfishness, and cheerfulness. LOVELY