Are you looking back to 2009 or forward to 2010? Think about it.

What better time of year than right now to review what has happened in the past year and think about our future. Grandma used to always say, “ Don’t look back, except for inspiration.” I always have tried to do that.

We’ve had a very good year. Jim has not been in the hospital once. We’ve had no serious illnesses. We’ve been very blessed and are thankful. We feel our best days still are ahead of us.

I, like most of you, have made my fair share of New Year resolutions. I vow to lose the extra pounds I put on over the holidays. I will continue to exercise at least four times a week. I will eat more healthy foods, especially fruits and vegetables. I will eat less breads and starches. I will take small portions of desserts. All of this sounds so easy and great, but resolutions like this are difficult to keep even past Jan. 1.

My grandma was a wise wo-man. With all the hardships she had as a child and rearing her own children, she kept enthusiastic. She talked about the past by describing the lessons she had learned. She never complained about how hard times were when she was a young girl raising her siblings because her mother died in child birth. She never complained about eating turnips when that was almost all they had to sustain life. She never complained of the bitter winters or the scorching summers when work went on as usual. Because of her deep gratitude for life itself, she inspired everyone who knew her. She didn’t just talk about not looking back except for inspiration, she lived life that way.

There is no point in looking back over 2009 or our lives unless we have learned lessons from our circumstances and actions. By being sick, we learned to take care of ourselves, exercise and face each day with enthusiasm. By being financially challenged, we learned how to be frugal and spend wisely. By being alone, we learn how to appreciate our friends, neighbors and family. There is a lesson to be learned from every situation, if we pay attention.

History repeats itself if we don’t learn from it. If we spend foolishly, we never will get out of debt. If we abuse our bodies, we will never be strong. If we don’t plan wisely, we could suddenly be in need of basic food, shelter and necessities.

Looking back can inspire us to be better people. We can aspire to work harder and use our talents to better advantage. We can see where we have been and not make the same mistakes over and over. We can heighten our enthusiasm and focus to accomplish our goals.

Some people seem to think since we are retired we don’t set goals and plan ahead. Nothing could be further from the truth. Every day we look forward to going to Jim’s physical rehab. It gives both of us a lift and makes us feel better. We have a set routine around our house to keep things running smooth. We even have a routine for our little dog. He fits right in and keeps us on our toes.

We cannot change what has happened in the past, but we can learn from our mistakes and vow not to repeat those same errors. We can learn a lesson from every situation. And we can change if we really want to.

I think “want” is the big thing here. We can lose weight if we want to. We can get out of debt if we really want to. We can improve our health if we really want to. We’ve got to want it to achieve it. Our dear friend, Ted, often reminded us we would never break a habit until, and unless, we really wanted to. What good advice for New Years, or any time! Looking back does not help us unless we really desire to change and be inspired.

This year, as every year, we made New Year Soup. Our stomachs don’t know the difference between beans, black-eyed peas, hominy and corn, so no need to eat black-eyed peas for good luck unless you are afraid to break the cycle. I make it often because it is easy and good. Serve with cornbread or crusty bread and a light dessert.



New Year Soup

1 or 2 pounds ground beef

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 can Ranch beans (undrained)

1 small can whole kernel corn (drained)

1can petite diced tomatoes

1 can chopped green chilies

1 can white or yellow hominy (drained)

1/2 package dry Taco seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

3 tablespoons bottled ranch dressing



Cook beef and onions until beef is not pink and onion is transparent. Add all other ingredients and simmer for about an hour.

May 2010 bring you every good thing, health, prosperity and love.



Send your comments to: Peggy Goodrich, Food For Thought, P.O. Box 1192, Enid, OK 73702.