Holiday Balance: Give Your Dreams the Wings to Fly...Just Believe
Give Your Dreams the Wings to Fly...Just Believe
A little girl, watching a lonely star shimmering through the falling snow
She stares with wonder of its loneliness and reaches out to hold it close
As she brings the star close into her chest, love and hope it sinks
Deep inside her heart and soul to remind her of the gratitude it brings
Not a lonely one, this shining star, a more than giving one at that
As it shimmers in the evening sky sending out sparkles to the rest
Some stars are dimly shining, some with only a glimmering glow
This star will help them to brightly shine and give each of them new hope.
The little girl leans over, to kiss the shining star
She reaches high to gently place it back and watch from afar
As the snow clears the winter sky, she sees so many more
All together shimmering brightly so many shining stars.
A little girl, a lesson learned from a star up in the sky
The dreams she has, she must believe and give them wings to fly
~by Julie Neerings
Often times I have felt like that little girl searching for answers. Only to find myself reaching into the depths of my heart and soul and believing that it’s up to me to give my dreams the wings to fly.
During the holidays it seems so simple for me to have a giving spirit, to spend more time with my family and friends as we celebrate our traditions of the season, and to remain optimistic that with even a small glimmer of hope that I can make a difference.
So with each dream I have for this holiday season, I will attach their wings and with full confidence set them free to fly graciously.
A Season for Giving: There are so many ways to give back and this time of year the need is more prominent:
The Salvation Army What a better way to teach my children the spirit of giving. The Salvation Army gives us the opportunity to help out the children in need so that on Christmas Day they can receive a little "spark" from us and shine.
Worldwide Book Drive is a non-profit group which works with organizations to distribute tens of thousands of books locally and internationally. Do you have books laying around that you would like to share with another? You can even hold your own book drive and donate them. This season I will go through all my books and donate to this great cause.
Operation Christmas Stocking Operation Give is another non-profit organization that is giving residents the opportunity to donate stockings for our service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. You can make your own stocking, gift bag or decorated boxes and drop them off at Operation Give-Million Dollar Air located at 430 North 3700 West, Salt Lake City. Help from the public is greatly needed. Our troops are in need of hygiene kits as well. For more information email operationgive@comcast.net
One Gift One Life and a Whole Lot of Gratitude Friday November 30th will mark the date for the 1st semi-annual Blood Drive that I will be hosting at my office. My goal was to have 30 donations for our time slot and we’re just about there. I’m confident that all the slots will be filled. For more info, click on the link.
A Season for Loving: This season brings so many moments to spend with family and friends. All packed with joy, love and laughter. We will enjoy the quiet moments of the falling snow and we will enjoy the moments of loudness with many that gather near to join in our traditions. Sleigh riding, decorating the tree, filling up our gratitude book, seeing the lights, and holding each other close.
A Season for Remembering: A time to remember Jesus. A time to remember those who are in different states, different countries or those that have passed. A time to remember our troops (always). A time to create a new memory or hold onto one from long ago. A time to remember those who are in need. And a time to never forget.
A Season for Reflecting: Reflecting on how I got to where I am today. What my purpose is. The people that have helped me along the way. Reflecting on the ups and downs so that I can grow and make changes. Never being afraid to meet that reflection in the mirror.
A Season for Gratitude: Writing down the many things that I am grateful for and keeping that journal ongoing. Sending a letter to each of the people I am grateful for. Showing my gratitude to every person that I walk beside.
A Season for Attaching Wings: The New Year is approaching and more dreams will be felt, more goals will be set and now I will take this time to attach more wings to my dreams so that they can take flight in the New Year.
A Season to Become the Season the Whole Year Through: As I was writing down each of these dreams I have for the holiday season, I found myself wondering why, this only had to be for now. I have made the choice not to limit myself to giving strong focus to the balance in my life after this season is gone. This Season will become the Season for the Whole Year Through. Because I choose to Give My Dreams the Wings to Fly...Just Believe
91 Comments on Holiday Balance: Give Your Dreams the Wings to Fly...Just Believe
NOV
11
2007
Julie, thanks for entering the Holiday Balance contest with this post. I'll be adding some more extensive comments after all the ballots have been tallied.
Julie, what an awesome poem and post! Giving back IS part of the Reason for the Season. There are so many less fortunate than us! I wish I could write like this!
Julie, Your poem and your entire post are just beautiful as always. They give me so much inspiration that's it's hard to put into words. My favorite Inspirational word, by the way, is BELIEVE. It is hanging in my living room.
Mary: Thank you so much! Your compliment is incredible. There are so many going without and we should never at any moment take for granted what we have. Great or small.
Carole: I knew you and I were a lot alike. I have that same word hanging in my living room on a shelf. I love it. When I hear this song for some reason I can't help but tear up. It helps me to remember and never forget that I do have to believe and what is will be.
Thank you so much for your comment too. I'm so glad that my writings inspire you. Have a wonderful Sunday.
Julie - What a beatiful post and sentiment that you have written. I loved "Polar Express" - we even got to see in once in 3D at the Imax theatre. Good luck in the contest!
Jason: Thank you for your kind comment. Our family loves that movie too. For some reason I get all choked up with it. I love Josh Groban, so his singing just sends me into Heaven.
Beautifully written and I just knew you would have a meaningful, inspirational and positive post. This is surely going to be a helping hand for those that need to see, read by example to move forward with the motivation they need for the coming months...because just as you....I believe that the morals and values I carry in every day life will carry me through not just the holidays...but through any day, any season.
Ah....the life we live with a positive attitude for the weary soul.
Support for not just this contest...but for each other is very much appreciated. I love to see that...and you have surely been just that.
Sally: This was a blog that went completely deep within my soul. Because of you and your inspiration, I was able to sit down today and write what was in my heart and share it with, well the world. If at least, one person is affected in a positive way, that makes all the time worthwhile. Because of writing this, I learned something myself. When the holidays come around, I always seem to have more balance in my life. I need to truly live everyday as if it were a holiday.
Thank you again Sally! Your friendship and support are appreciated beyond what my words can express.
Suzanne: Oh happy day! I love to see you visit my friend. Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. If anything this entire contest has taught me something completely profound in my life. As mentioned in the comment I made to Sally, I need to truly live everyday as if it were a holiday or should I see this holiday season.
Todd & Danielle: Thank you for your kind comment. I'm so glad to see you visit my blogs. It means a lot to me that you are enjoying my blogs. Have a wonderful Sunday!
Beautiful post Thanks for sharing with us. I love to read the posts you do. You let the real you shine with each one, regardless what the post is about. You show us how to love life, friends, and family. You remind us to remember who we are and what life is about. Thanks, I love you for this my wonderful friend!
Penny: Thank you so much. You and I are kindred spirits so I knew you would understand this. Thank you for taking the time to read it. I hope you are feeling well. Big Hugs to you my dear friend.
As always Julie, nice post! And thanks for reminding us all that we should really use this time to sit back and reflect at just how fortunate we are as well as giving something of ourselves to others this holiday season whether it be volunteering or a monetary donation!
Michael: I appreciate your kind comment. There are so many things we can do, big and small to give back. Your little one is coming soon-what a gift that will be.
Julie- I did a double-take when I first opened this....I thought Sally had written it because of the Graphics...., and the Poem....what a lovely Poem Give Your Dreams the Wings to Fly...Just Believe. I liked it.
Your belief in giving back, and thinking of those less fortunate is commendable. Many do Give a lot during the Holidays, but as you said why not have this feeling all year???? And you're so right, we all can make a difference.......thank you for being you, and for being someone that genuinely cares about others.
What a gifted poet you are Julie- and a beautiful post about giving (and worthy causes as well ). Thanks for sharing your time, treasures, and talent:)
Hello Julie, Beautifully written and I agree with you that we need to live every day as if it were a holiday. We need balance all through the year. Your sharing and loving spirit shins through your writing.
As I read your poem, a sense of compassion and gratitude swept over me. What beautiful sentiments you offered us...and practical pointers, too. THANKS!
Thank you for this very impressing post to read. Folks can alawys find something to be thankful for, they don't need a special day or time of year to give thanks or do something for someone.
Kathy: What a very kind compliment. Thank you so much! Did you listen to the words in the song I attached on You Tube? One of the lines is the title I chose. That sentence stuck in my head. I kept replaying it over and over again. Just that one sentence gave me so much inspiration. Because it's true. Our dreams are just dreams until we attach the wings they need to fly. One by one, my dreams will be given wings. Giving back is such an addiction. To me it's a complete high. That is the only reason I would ever wish to be a millionaire. I would give and give monetarily to all those in need. I imagine the things I could do. Hmmm...maybe one day I'll be able to attach wings to that dream as well. But for now I choose to give from my heart, my time, and my energy.
Thank you so much for your friendship and support.
Julie, This is such an inspirational post of heart-touching thoughts and gifts....I LOVE your poem!!
Ironically, I dreamt about a little girl last night. She was about 3 years old and had two blond pigtails and was left abandoned in a house that I had listed. I found her when I was there showing it to someone.....she took right to me and jumped into my arms, once I accepted and was kind to her. Then I decided to adopt her and give her as much love as I possibly could. Hmmm.....
Grace: You are so welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed this post. Can you believe all the many things we can do to help others? It's endless. Thank you for such a very kind comment.
Sally: You are welcome. It's truly meant from the heart. I'm certain that out of 57,000+ people here in the rain, it's not by chance that I have the friends here that I do have. Every person that I have been in close contact with, has taught me so much and has given me so much inspiration. You my sweet friend are right there always. I'm grateful to you for that.
Cynthia: You are such a kind friend. You always have such uplifting comments and I sincerely appreciate that. Could you imagine how our lives would be, knowing the next day is a holiday to be celebrated? I'm ready to make that happen.
janeAnne: You are welcome! Thank you for stopping by to comment. I'm so glad you enjoyed this post. What a very endearing comment you have left. Thank you for that.
Dale: You are so right. You grasped a hold of the point beautifully. Thank you! Often times I've heard that food banks, shelters, hospitals, etc. All need help the whole year through. The biggest focus for giving seems to start spilling out at this time of year. It should be every single day. Thank you again for your wonderful comment.
Jo: Thank you so much my sweet friend. Can you believe I finally came out of my shell to share one of my poems. I love to write poetry. Oh the places it takes me. That is incredible that you would dream that. As I was reading your comments chills went up and down my arms. Did you give your dream wings to fly yet?:) Have a wonderful evening and again, thank you so much for your genuine support and friendship.
Sue: You are so welcome! I'm glad that you stopped by to read this post. My heart was definitely out in the open. Thank you for your friendship and support.
Julie, that was beautiful. We get so busy in the holiday season that it is so easy to forget the reason for the season. I have a little button that I put on my coat during the season that says "Jesus is the reason for the season". The visual reminder helps me to remember my priorities. The only problem with my button is that in our area we don't need a coat every day until about January, it does help the days that I wear a coat though.
Julie- I have a confession to make....I NEVER listen or watch the U tube things in posts....so no I never saw yours. My speakers aren't that great, and it's a distraction for me all those u tube things.....sorry :( I just read the Post, and all comments....as I learn more about the person, and others from the comments. but no matter where or how you got the title for your Poem, I still like it :) :)
Marchel: What a very kind comment. Thank you so much. I love the button that you wear. "Jesus is the reason for the season". what a wonderful reminder that is.
Kathy: You are such a sweetheart. Your confession is the norm I do believe. I think there are many that don't listen to the You Tube. I do wish however, you had a chance to listen to this song. It's so beautiful. For some reason I just can't seem to get through it without having the tears well up. Have you ever listened to Josh Groban? It's his song Believe. The funny thing is, when I was writing my poem, I was trying to figure out the title and that one line in the song stuck in my head like crazy. The whole song inspired me as did many of the people here on AR. I'm really glad you like my poem. I've decided it's ok to let my heart show and not let my fear take control of that.
You always have such wonderful comments so it doesn't surprise me even a little bit that you read all that is the most important. The words of the writer and the comments of all the supporters. Thank you again my sweet friend.
Julie- OK, I listened to it. ( a little guilt here ).....and you're right, I can see how the song was so inspirational to your Poem....a true compliment to your heartfelt words...
So many times, something we see or hear will be that one thing we need to finish a Poem, or a story, if we just listen with our soul......and I can see yours here. You said you have decided that it's OK to let your heart show......:) :) There is a difference of letting it show, and showing it for a response......as some here just want attention, and that, to me at least, is a totally different thing ........Integrity, honesty, and real caring will always shine through...........thank you for showing yours.
JULIE: You are a true inspiration to me and I'm sure to many others. I would suggest if anyone is ever feeling down, that they come to your posts for a positivity recharge. You are one of the most thoughtful and giving people that I've ever seen. Keep up the amazing work, Julie.
Kathy: Thank you again. I'm so glad you listened to that song. It just seemed to fit with the words that spilled out of my heart. It's easy to see what is genuine and what is not from a person, that's for sure. There are so many here that show such a beautiful side of their heart. That is what makes this business that much more simplified. Friends like you to turn to for inspiration. Have a wonderful day and week my friend.
Adam: OK you made me tear up. Each morning I awake and each evening I go to sleep, I pray that if it just be for one moment, I can help another and make a difference. That makes the purpose in life even more meaningful. Thank you so much Adam! Your words are heartfelt. Have a wonderful day!
Julie, the more I read from you the more I learn and am inspired. You are deep and insightful. Thanks for bringing these thoughts to the front of our minds in a time of year when we tend to forget about what is truly important. Thanks for returning the star to lead us on our way too...
Stephen: You are so welcome! Thank you for catching a hold of that star and for such an incredibly kind comment. Each person that has made their spark here has inspired me greatly. Have a wonderful day!
Julie, I am so glad I found this post while reciprocating. I always love what you write but this is particularly special. I think you listing everything that gives this season meaning and in such a beautiful way. Right now I feel like we are all a family at AR and am so grateful to be here with wonderful people like you!
Diane: Thank you very much! I'm so glad you found this post too. What a wonderful comment you have made. I sincerely appreciate your kind words. I do completely agree with you that our AR family is so important and the closeness we all have is very fortunate. I feel like I know you all like my friends just up the street. Have a fabulous day and big hugs to you!
Candy: Thank you so much! I think I'm actually speechless by your wonderful comment. This is definitely a piece of my heart that I'm so glad to have shared with all my friends and because of this type of appreciation it makes it that more meaningful. Sincerely, thank you!
Good morning, Julie. Thank you for entering the contest. I really enjoyed reading it, and I especially love your beautiful poetry. Thanks for including those links to your giving projects.
Margaret: You are welcome! It was truly a blessing to be given the inspiration to write something so important and deep in my heart. Thank you for the opportunity and for your kind comment.
Diane: Thank you for your incredible comment. It goes both ways my friend. I have missed you dearly. It will be great to see you frequent the rain more often. If I could see you I would give you a great big hug.
Jo: Thank you my friend. I appreciate you and your inspiration and always being here to support me in my own journey of blogging. You've been there from the beginning.
Julie- I am so glad you won one of the top places for the contest Congratulations.....
For me, the best part of your win was the chance you took by posting your Poem, and the heartfelt way in which you write.....as well as the wonderful reception to your positive outlook......
I would have picked this one as a winner also :) :)
Kathy: You are such a kind soul. I'm always grateful to see your comments. Your post was amazing and to me everybody that entered is a winner because with every entry, there was a heart to be felt, a soul to be touched and so many wonderful lessons for each of us to carry on throughout our lives.
Thank you again for your incredible comment and your friendship.
Margaret: Thank you for the very kind comment. I appreciate your support and the opportunity to write something so true to the heart. Have a fabulous day!
Julie - congratulations on your winning in the contest - totally deserved - for this is a beautiful post with the message of hope and gratitude. It's aways great to get an injection of positive and uplifting spirit. Beautifully done.
Faina-Thank you so much for such a wonderful comment! I completely believe that everybody won here. I'm just eternally grateful to be given the inspiration to blog on this topic. I have learned very much in the process.
Hello Julie, Your piece was so well done and conveyed the sincerity that can only come form the heart. Congratulations and may you have a Joyous and Wonderful Holiday. You write beautifully and are an inspiration to all.
Sincerely, William
PS, I love Josh Grobin and have most of his things. I loved the piece and the music choice was magnificent.
Julie, let me borrow a phrase from one of our favorite Active Rainers and hostess of this contest:
WOOHOO!
Congratulations on being a winner in the Holiday Balance contest. Your entry was one of my favorites. Your poetry is beautiful, your writing was well-organized and your content was timely and relevant. Thanks for sharing with us the ways in which you give of your time, money, and soul during the holidays and your urge for others to do the same.
William: Thank you so very much for such a very kind comment. You're a Grobanite too? I love the man, well his music. He has the voice of an angel. When I'm feeling a little cloudy in my head, I listen to his music and all is well. Have you been to his concert? Not yet, but I will be.
Have a wonderful Sunday William and enjoy your holidays with love and joy!
Brian: As exciting as this is, it's amazing to me how beautiful every entry is and how much I learned from all the other incredible people here in the rain. Sally's inspiration to put this contest together is one that I can say has blessed my life greatly. What fun it is and the great learning these contests provide. Brian you have been such a wonderful friend and inspiration to me here in the rain and I am grateful to you for that. I sincerely appreciate your incredible comment.
Julie...There was never any doubt that you had written a winner. I read and commented on it earlier and now having just found out you were selected I wanted to say how happy I am for you.
Julie- Congratulations! You did yourself proud with this entry and you heart and soul on a keyboard. Julie, I just read your post for you mom., You are a wonderful poet and writer filled with compassion beyond description. You are such a great friend, and I so appreciate getting to know you and learn of your Sweet spirit. Katerina
Ricki:Thank you for such an amazing comment. I'm almost speechless. I'm so glad you enjoyed this post. God knows that I needed to write it because I was so worried about if I had balance in my life or not. Through this post I found out that it wasn't as out of balance as I initially thought. Reading all the other amazing posts helped me to learn some things in my life that I will always be grateful for.
Alecia: Thank you so much for stopping by to comment. It means a lot to me that you enjoyed this post. Writing from the heart and making somebody's day, well that goes hand in hand and you have made my day with your very kind comment.
Kathleen: You are such a sweet lady. I'm so glad you stopped back by to comment again. I do appreciate your support and kindness. Have a very happy holiday!
Katerina: Wow! You have touched my heart my friend. Thank you for such an incredible statement. I feel the same way about you and think often how grateful I truly am that God has put your friendship, your existence in my path. Big Hugs to you!
Brigita: Thank yo so much! It's so wonderful to know you enjoyed reading what comes from my heart and yes, everyday should be like a holiday. Have a wonderful week.
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A Season for Remembering: A time to remember Jesus. A time to remember those who are in different states, different countries or those that have passed. A time to remember our troops (always). A time to create a new memory or hold onto one from long ago. A time to remember those who are in need. And a time to never forget. 
;)
;)
