Wishing you a Beautiful 2012!

2011 was quite a year but as with every new year we have a chance for new beginnings, to finish things we have been working on and the chance to wake up and smell the roses!

2011 took me all over the world – Russia, Finland, Greece, China, Malaysia, The Philippines, Turkey, Italy, Haiti and all over the USA of course. Several of my trips namely the ones to Italy, Turkey for the USO and my recent trip to Haiti were eye openers for several reasons but most markedly because I met people who were doing all they could for change. Against all the odds with seemingly little to no help they were rising above it all and making the world a safer and more beautiful place to live in. My faith in the human spirit was once again affirmed and my determination to do what I can re-ignited.

Look out for my new film, Dreams Are Not Forgotten in 2012. Shot in Bel Air Haiti and featuring a few ordinary individuals who show how incredible the average person can be.

I would personally like to say thank you to all my BE contributors for all their inspiring stories and posts in 2011 and I look forward to more great things from the BE community in 2012. We have an exciting year ahead so stay tuned.

At this time of year every year I like to read the Desiderata, an inspiring poem written in 1927 by Max Erhmann, that has helped guide me since I was a child in England. I am sure many of you are very familiar with it but nonetheless!

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

With all my love

Nigel