In his book, Oh The Places You'll Go!, Dr. Seuss says,

"You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself

any direction you choose."

Believe it or not, 2014 is fast coming to an end. Some of you will look at this milestone as having come too fast. You haven't nearly completed all you planned for 2014. Most of your agency goals have not been realized. Many of your personal goals weren't even begun. A sense of panic and regret might be setting in. That's why I recommend that we listen to Doctor Seuss. It's time to take control of 2015 rather than wasting time on useless regret over 2014 that does nothing but sap energy.

First, let's sit back and take a long look at our attitude. Are we bogged down in office politics, a sense of frustration at not getting enough accomplished, a certain weariness about the state of the entire world, and a dreaded regret about the career we have chosen. "It's hard to work in Social Services and see nothing but human suffering day after day. It's getting me down."

If we're going to look ahead to 2015 with a sense of purpose, we will need inspiration. I began to search for a refreshing outlook in industry trade magazines, books, the internet, and even the trainings being offered by my agency. After exhaustive research, the following quotes began to work for me. I would like to share them with you.

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that you cannot sincerely try to help another without helping yourself." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Everyone has a purpose in life...a unique gift or a special talent to give to others. And when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of our own spirit which is the ultimate goal of all goals." ~ Deepak Chopra

"At this very moment, there are people only you can reach...and differences only you can make."~ Mike Dooley

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment to improve the world?" ~ Anne Frank

I have stopped looking back at 2014 with regret and started looking forward to 2015 with enthusiasm. These great thinkers and philosophers have helped me realize that my work, although insignificant in the greater scheme things, is important to someone.