Happy New Year!

I want to start by wishing everyone a very blessed New Year. I know that this comes a week late, but better late then never. My new year has started off very busy and really quite amazing. I am very excited about all that this year has to offer me and my family, not only personally but professionally. 2008 will be a year for the record books!

This being the Wisdom of Jen I would like to give you my wise thoughts for the New Year and what I learned from last year.

First, pay attention to the way you are with the ones that you love. Just because you think that your actions are right or just does not mean that is how they are taken by those around you.

While you can not control how people perceive what you do or say you can control how you put it out there.

Second, no one is perfect… even those that you think you know very well will surprise you, they may even hurt you… and that will be a test of strength of the relationship you have with them.

Third, there isn’t anything worth having that isn’t worth fighting for. I say this because there are times in life, when you least expect it, that life will challenge you to see if you are true to your words and your feelings… Whether you fight or walk away will tell you all you need to know about you as a person and the truth of your own claims.

Fourth, Family is everything so cherish them. I am not talking about only blood relatives, but those that you consider to be family.

Fifth, you can never take back the words that you say. So think before you open you mouth and let them come out. The bridge you burn today may be the life line you need tomorrow. What will you do now that it is gone?

Sixth, take risks no matter how huge the risk seems… there are times that you will find the risk that could cost you the most gives you the most.

Seventh, there is no greater man in this world then my husband. I say this because it is true. I am not telling you that he is perfect, for neither am I. But he is truly the most amazing man I have ever known, and the strength of character that he has… well… it just takes my breath away.

Eighth, our children are the most precious things in the world to us. They make us proud everyday as they grow and become independent little people. They are not who they were five years ago, but the people they are becoming are incredible.

Ninth, do not expect more from others then what you are willing to do or give yourself.

Tenth, no matter how bad things get… before you make a drastic decision… and act out of haste and emotion… breathe. Just breathe, and look at things from outside yourself… what you are going through … it has a purpose… are you strong enough to see it through or will you break under the pressure and throw it all away.

These are just my ten bites of wisdom. This last year… well, I saw a lot of things… experienced things that I never thought I would have to… but I learned a lot… and I believe that it is all about how you handle a situation and less about the situation that defines us as people.