I started several years ago to write a blog entitled "Compass Points". My purpose was to give people who were spiritually lost or could not find a path to follow some clues to find their center and thereby discover their path to awakening. I enjoyed writing the column very much and found that many told me how much direction they had acquired through reading and practicing the ideas and thoughts I presented.

Approximately 10 years ago I began to notice a developing weakness in my hands accompanied by soreness, stiffness and painful skeletal muscles. Over the ensuing 2-3 years, the symptoms continued to worsen until it became necessary for me to leave my profession even though only I noticed I had a problem. I was seen by many specialists all of whom were stumped as to why my pain was increasing and my ability to carry out functions of my specialty was declining. I began treatment using various medications to stop the symptoms, however, along with some relief from the pain I had great difficulty putting my thoughts together to write a coherent series of articles. I had to stop writing hoping one day to resume my writing journey again. It took 8 years to balance my medications so I could once again consider writing "Compass Points".

10 years and many, many doctors later I continued to have symptoms but the symptoms became tolerable. The mental fog created by the chronic pain and medications began to lift enough so I would have days in which I regained my focus and could concentrate enough to write once more. In all honesty it takes me longer to do just about everything in my life but I find the time spent to accomplish a goal or project helps me overcome any residual physical and/or mental pain. Writing for me is therapeutic and is once more becoming a part of my journey. I am very thankful for this opportunity to once again walk the path given to my inner compass hoping to plant seeds in those who read and enjoy my commentaries. Writing now is not as easy as before but I churn inside to make my contribution to a world that has gone off course during my unplanned absence.

There's a New Year coming our way filled with opportunities to participate in new beginnings. As before, I urge you to take time to listen to your inner voice and act upon its wisdom. Know that within each of you lies seeds planted by our Creator that are intended to ripen and give you the direction needed to live a fulfilled life. Each seed contains a whisper of wisdom and directs you toward your purpose in life. You will find each seed grows according to your need and is fed through spiritual practices that allow your connection to Spirit to grow. I urge you to discover and nurture those seeds in order for you to follow the most fulfilling path in life.

This New Year will be a new beginning for me. It will be a new beginning in which my focus will return to writing at whatever level I am privileged to obtain. My hope and prayer is that through my words we will connect and something I write will resonate with your innermost spirit and cause a rebirth of its potential and influence upon your life.

When you trust your inner voice great changes will occur in your life. You will become aware of miracles all around you each moment of your day and will find purpose and inner peace.