On the Eve of #2016: Some Brief Personal Thoughts.....

It has been quite a year as the #Outsider journey continue and as I have had the privilege to be witness to the evolution of it--a journey that initially began a little over 7 years ago with zero knowledge of blogging, websites, etc etc. and now we have a Virtual Network with Four Channels, a Vibrant and engaging Social Grid presence which I hope to build upon in 2016.

Just like some, I have a few simple New Year Resolutions which I hope to keep and I shared it in response to a call to action from Darren Hardy as I was finishing off rounds on the Social Grid for the year.    They are:

• Ban the Words Hate & Worry
• Forgive
• Read at least a Book a Week 
• Take Up  Music
• Swim

--and yes, I did note that I would be working to continue supporting Daily Outsider to take it to the next level.    I wonder when I am in my "Corner" this time next year--how would I fare?  Would I be part of the 8% who made it or the 92% who did not (Based on what Darren Hardy noted).   It won't be for lack of trying.    

As I look forward to another year of #outsiders starting January 4, I took comfort in this simple thought while I was at the Rose Palace in Pasadena working on the Sikh America Rose Parade Float: 

Onward to 2016 with all the possibilities. 

On the Prowl For Christmas Week-End 2015.......

I had the pleasure and privilege to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my Family.  It reminded me of all the blessings Providence has bestwoed upon me..

As the team @ #Outsiders got back to work, it was interesting there were some "snipets" of hope I saw reports of the Indian Prime Minister "dropping by" to see the Pakistani Prime Minister as our team daily during The #India Watch hashtage about repeated border violations: 

    

It was also quite amazing Earlier tonight, a "thought 4 the week" on this weekend was released on #Outsiders.  The themes of Love, Unity and ideas are some of the things I hope we can pursue in 2016 especially embracing the poetry of Ibn Arabia in light of all that we've been witness to in our World.    

I have also been fascinated by China as well.    China's challenges is also of concern as the Economy continues to slow, the Environment continues to be a profound challenge and the related social fissures will be one of the challenges I look forward to the team's research and reflections here in #Outsiders in 2016.      The beauty of china was evident though as epitomized by this image from Shanghai:

Before I went dark on the "Grid" for Christmas Day, I shared this I received this that underscores the sentiments as we look to a new year which I wanted to conclude my thoughts with:   

“May your light rest in our hearts,
And remind us that you are the eternal star.”

“Let us dream of a world without any more violence –
A world of justice and hope.
Let us each give a hand to our neighbor…
As a symbol of peace and brotherhood.”

“Give us strength.
Fill us with love that we might love and be loved.
Let this be our prayer.”

~ Carol Bayer Sager and David Foster

Brief Thoughts On This Christmas Eve 2015

As the team was putting the finishing touches on Christmas Greetings throughout the Network, I ran across this that I could not help but share this from the Peanuts Gang: 

I also had attended Saddleback Church's Christmas Service at its' Dana Point Campus earlier tonight.   I realized there is a reason Pastor Rick is as beloved as he is.  It was an atmosphere of love, laughter, joy and happiness as he shared the challenges and the embraces of faith.     He talked about the fears that Mary, Joseph, The Shepherd, Herod and Zachariah faced  It was just fascinating to be witness to.

There is truly a lot to be thankful for as we embrace 2016.   I have "put my foot down" literally so that the team takes a well deserved few days as we go dark throughout our network.  I hope the musical selections are of interest as they are released throughout the various channels of the #Outsider Network.     As I finished off these thoughts, I saw this from the Publisher of the "Nooner" which is quite a gift for all Beatles fans--although I warn you that the link for John Lennon's Happy Xmas is very hard to watch:

HAPPY X-MAS!  2:01am tomorow morning, you'll be able to listen the entire Beatles music catalog for the first time on streaming sites.

As I finished off final rounds, I saw this on my personal facebook page:

Each and everyone of us has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better #Ubuntu #Humanity www.mandeladay.com
Posted by Nelson Mandela Foundation on Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Wishing all a Fab Holiday!!!