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New Year Inspirations: Inspirational Poetry, Art and Quotes.

Updated on January 15, 2015

New Beginnings and New Year Resolutions

Many of us associate the start of the year with a chance for new beginnings. So we start off the year with a list of well-intentioned New Year resolutions which are magically meant to turn us into a new person and fill our ordinary lives with excitement. Sadly most of us close the year having fulfilled few if any of our over-ambitious New Year resolutions. There are a number of reasons why we fail to keep our New Year resolutions these include setting un-realistic goals, not breaking down our goals into manageable tasks, not implementing the goals that we set and last but not least lack of support and motivation to implement our goals. I would love to help everybody realize their New Year dreams but sadly I am a mere mortal and do not possess such magical powers. However, as an artist and poet I can at least offer you words of inspiration and works of art to help you through the year. This lens contains poetry and art from one of my art calendars as well as inspirational quotes from various people. Here is to the fulfillment of your dreams this year.

Image: Mum's Butterfly, Art by Injete Chesoni from http://poetry-and-art-by-injete-chesoni.blogspot.com

Sunset Dreams: African Art, Metal Painting by Maureen Injete Chesoni
Sunset Dreams: African Art, Metal Painting by Maureen Injete Chesoni

JANUARY: The Month of Hope and Dreams

I chose January as the month of hope, dreams and new beginnings. January is the first month of the year and as such is the month in which I set out my goals for the rest of the year. It is also the month in which I am most excited and hopeful of all the good things to come. In keeping with the theme for January here are five inspirational hope quotes and meditations. The first short inspirational poem and art piece are from my poetry-art calendar.

I

As the sun sets on the horizon I watch it go down,

Tomorrow my new life will start,

In the gentle glow of dawn. - (Injete Chesoni)

II

Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul

And sings the tune without words

And never stops - at all. - (Emily Dickinson)

III

We should not let our fears hold us back from pursuing our hopes. - (John F. Kennedy)

IV

Every thing that is done in the world is done by hope. - (Martin Luther)

V

Some one once said to me, 'Reverend Schuller, I hope you live to see all your dreams fulfilled.' I replied, I hope not, because if I live and all my dreams are fulfilled, I'm dead.' It's unfulfilled dreams that keep you alive. - (Robert Schuller)

Image: Sunset Dreams, African Art Metal Painting by Maureen Injete Chesoni

Inspirational Hope Quotes: http://www.famousquotesandauthors.com/topics/hope_quotes.html

Love's Interruption, Abstract Pastel Art by Injete Chesoni
Love's Interruption, Abstract Pastel Art by Injete Chesoni

FEBRUARY: The Month of Love's Interruption.

February is the month in which we celebrate Valentine's Day that holiday of romance, love and sadly broken hearts for some. Therefore, I chose February as the month of love. Here are some inspirational love quotes for the month of February.

I

When love interrupts the pattern of your life, it creates a chaotic yet beautiful new design. - (Injete Chesoni)

II

For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it. For every truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it. For every love there is a heart somewhere to receive it. - (Ivan Panin)

III

It's so easy,

To think about Love,

To Talk about Love,

To wish for Love,

But it's not always easy,

To recognize Love,

Even when we hold it.... In our hands. - (Jaka)

IV

In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities. - (Janos Arnay)

V

The life and love we create is the life and love we live. - (Leo Buscaglia)

Image: Love's Interruption, Abstract Pastel Art by Injete Chesoni

Inspirational Love Quotes: http://www.1-love-quotes.com/love_quotes_top_100.htm

Blue Lady, Abstract Pastel Art by Injete Chesoni
Blue Lady, Abstract Pastel Art by Injete Chesoni

MARCH: The Month of Peace

Peace is one of those elusive states that man is always striving to achieve. It is especially difficult to find peace in the fast-paced stressful world in which we live. However, we must pursue peace in the same way that we pursue happiness for it is essential to our well-being. I have therefore set aside March as the month to meditate on peace both within our own lives and in our external world. Here are some peace quotes and affirmations for the month of March.

I

I am peace personified, I move in waves of tranquility across the sea of life. - (Injete Chesoni)

II

Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one. - (John Lennon)

III

When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace. - (Jimi Hendrix)

IV

I refuse to accept the idea that man is mere flotsam and jetsam in the river of life, unable to influence the unfolding events which surround him. I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality. - (Martin Luther King Jr.)

V

When you make peace with yourself, you make peace with the world - (Maha Ghosananda)

Image: Blue Lady, Abstract Pastel Art by Injete Chesoni

Abstract Metal Inspirational Art by Injete Chesoni.
Abstract Metal Inspirational Art by Injete Chesoni.

APRIL: Spring the Re-Birth of Life

April falls in Spring the season of re-birth. Spring is the season when flowers bloom and when the warmth pierces through after the winter chill. The Easter holiday during which Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ also occurs in April (and sometimes March). Therefore, I have chosen April as the month to celebrate Spring and re-birth.

I

After the cold comes the warmth,

After the rain comes the sun,

Nothing stays constant in this world of ours,

Old lives must die and new ones be born. - (Injete Chesoni)

II

Where man sees but withered leaves, God sees sweet flowers growing. - (Albert Laighton)

III

I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always plant a large garden in the spring. Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from participating in nature's rebirth? - (Edward Giobbi)

IV

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn. - (Hal Borland)

V

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. - (Anne Bradstreet)

Image: Abstract Metal Inspirational Art by Injete Chesoni.

Spring Quotes: http://www.quotegarden.com/spring.html

Mum's Butterfly, Art by Injete Chesoni.
Mum's Butterfly, Art by Injete Chesoni.

MAY: The Month of Mothers

In the United States, Mother's Day is celebrated during the month of May therefore, I associate May with mothers. Given the special role that mothers play in our lives we should set aside time to celebrate and appreciate them. Mothers shape their children and thus indirectly shape the world. Many powerful leaders attribute their success to their mothers. Here are a few quotes about mothers and the special role that they play in our lives.

I

Beautiful and delicate givers of life,

Mothers are transformed,

With the birth of their child. - (Injete Chesoni)

II

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. - (Washington Irving)

III

Every beetle is a gazelle in the eyes of its mother. - African Proverb

IV

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible. - (Marion C. Garretty)

V

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. - (Abraham Lincoln)

Image: Mum's Butterfly, Art by Injete Chesoni.

African Proverbs for Mothers and Women

Mother Quotes: http://www.great-inspirational-quotes.com/mother-quotes.html

My Hand, Abstract Art by Injete Chesoni.
My Hand, Abstract Art by Injete Chesoni.

JUNE: Half-time, A Moment to Rest and Re-consider

June is the middle of the year. Just like in sports we should take a break at half-time to rest, re-energize and re-strategize. During the month of June we should look back at our how far we have come and plan how far we would like to go. In this fast paced world we rarely take a moment to rest, but rest is crucial it helps us to re-energize our worn out bodies and minds. Thus in keeping with the half-time tradition I have chosen June as the month to rest, re-energize and re-strategize.

I

STOP!

For just one moment and consider,

Save a moment of life just to ponder,

The middle is always a good place to linger,

When you have thoughts to re-consider. - (Injete Chesoni)

II

The best of all medicines is resting and fasting - (Benjamin Franklin)

III

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. - (Ovid)

IV

What is without periods of rest will not endure. - (Ovid)

V

Rest when you're weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work. - (Ralph Marston)

Image: My Hand, Abstract Art by Injete Chesoni.

Rest Quotes: http://thinkexist.com/quotations/rest/

Dancing Sisters, Black Art by Injete Chesoni.
Dancing Sisters, Black Art by Injete Chesoni.

JULY: The Month of Freedom and Dancing Through Life

Dancing means many things to me but perhaps most of all I associate dancing with freedom. Freedom of movement, freedom of expression and freedom from caring what anyone else thinks. My choice of dancing as the theme for July is not so much about dancing the art form but more about dancing as a metaphor for freedom. In keeping with this theme I have chosen dance quotes and freedom quotes for the month of July.

I

Dancing across the stage of life,

Three sisters together dancing through time,

Forming colorful, moving designs,

That flow and change with the patterns of their lives. - (Injete Chesoni)

II

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; None but ourselves can free our minds. - (Bob Marley, Redemption Song)

III

Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you've never been hurt and live like it's heaven on Earth. - (Mark Twain)

IV

Who speaks of liberty while the human mind is in chains? - (Francis Wright, 1828)

V

When I think of freedom,

I think of flight,

I think of change,

I think of children,

I think of a spirit that defies chains of any kind,

I think of a wind that just keeps blowing with no direction in particular,

Unconfined by time and space,

My mind drifts to a place where it is truly free.

- (Injete Chesoni)


Guitar Man, Abstract Art and Guitar Art by Injete Chesoni
Guitar Man, Abstract Art and Guitar Art by Injete Chesoni

AUGUST: The Month of Individualism, Playing My Own Tune.

I chose August as the month for following the beat of your own drum and expressing your individualism. Each of us has something special and unique about us and if we do not express it then who will. Self-expression, art and individualism go hand in hand. Here are some quotes about individualism and self-expression.

I

As I grow older and time passes me by,

I begin to realize that this life is mine,

To create and destroy and do as I please,

And with this realization I am filled with ease. - (Injete Chesoni)

II

Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known. - (Oscar Wilde)

III

Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one. - (Eleanor Roosevelt)

IV

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. - (Henry David Thoreau)

V

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. - (Robert Frost)

Image: Guitar Man, Abstract Art and Guitar Art by Injete Chesoni

Leaves Fall Green, Abstract Art by Injete Chesoni
Leaves Fall Green, Abstract Art by Injete Chesoni

SEPTEMBER: The Month for Letting Go, Shedding My Leaves.

September marks the start of Fall, the season when trees shed their leaves. We see this process of shedding the old to make way for the new throughout nature. As part of our own growth process we must shed baggage from the past that is holding us back from finding love, success and happiness. I have selected September as the month for letting go and "shedding our leaves".

I

As the leaves change color and begin to fall,

I release the weight that I am carrying and shed it all,

No need for baggage that weighs me down,

I am traveling light from this day on. - (Injete Chesoni)

II

Let go. Why do you cling to pain? There is nothing you can do about the wrongs of yesterday. It is not yours to judge. Why hold on to the very thing which keeps you from hope and love? - (Leo Buscaglia)

III

We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the life that is waiting for us. - (Joseph Campbell)

IV

Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward. - (Author Unknown)

V

There are things that we never want to let go of, people we never want to leave behind. But keep in mind that letting go isn't the end of the world, it's the beginning of a new life. - (Author Unknown)

Image: Leaves Fall Green, Abstract Art by Injete Chesoni

Letting Go Quotes: http://www.great-inspirational-quotes.com/letting-go-quotes.html

Green Snail, Art by Injete Chesoni
Green Snail, Art by Injete Chesoni

OCTOBER: Time and Life.

Time is one of those things that man is constantly trying to control and never quite succeeding at. This is quite simply because we cannot harness time the best we can do is manage it. With age I have learned that the most important thing is how you spend your time and who you spend it with. I have learned to prioritize and focus on quality versus quantity time. No matter how busy you are remember to set aside time for those who matter most in your life. I have chosen October as the month to focus on how you spend your time which in the end is how you spend your life.

I

Time will pass whether I move fast or slow,

Therefore it matters not at which pace I go,

What matters more is how,

I spend each and every hour. - (Injete Chesoni)

II

If I had known, that one day you would be gone, I would have savored every moment I had with you. - (Injete Chesoni)

III

Old Time, in whose banks we deposit our notes

Is a miser who always wants guineas for groats;

He keeps all his customers still in arrears

By lending them minutes and charging them years. - (Oliver Wendell Holmes)

IV

Watches are so named as a reminder - if you don't watch carefully what you do with your time, it will slip away from you. - (Drew Sirtors)

V

Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. - (Carl Sandburg)

Image: Green Snail, Art by Injete Chesoni

Pot of Love, Abstract Metal Art by Injete Chesoni
Pot of Love, Abstract Metal Art by Injete Chesoni

NOVEMBER: The Month of Gratitude

Americans celebrate Thanksgiving in the month of November, so I thought that this would be a good month to focus on gratitude. It is important for us to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness for the many blessings in our lives. Focusing on the good in our lives distracts us from the bad and fills us with contentment. I have chosen thanksgiving and gratitude quotes for the month of November.

I

My pot runneth over with tears of gratitude,

For the love in my life and the plenitude. - (Injete Chesoni)

II

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. - (Melodie Beattie)

III

It is literally true, as the thankless say, that they have nothing to be thankful for. He who sits by the fire, thankless for the fire, is just as if he had no fire. Nothing is possessed save in appreciation, of which thankfulness is the indispensable ingredient. But a thankful heart hath a continual feast. - (W.J. Cameron)

IV

He who thanks but with the lips

Thanks but in part;

The full, the true Thanksgiving

Comes from the heart. - (J.A. Shedd)

V

Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more. - (David Steindl-Rast)

Image: Pot of Love, Abstract Metal Art by Injete Chesoni

Thanksgiving and Gratitude Quotes: http://www.quotegarden.com/thanksgiving.html

Celebration Table (Circle of Sisters III), African Art by Injete Chesoni.
Celebration Table (Circle of Sisters III), African Art by Injete Chesoni.

DECEMBER: The Month of Celebration.

As the last month of the year it is fitting that we should choose December to look back and celebrate our achievements. December is also the month for celebrating a number of religious holidays. However, without family and friends our celebrations and successes are hollow. Therefore, I have also chosen December as the month for celebrating the dearest people in our lives, our family and friends.

I

We gather at the table to celebrate the close of the year,

With family and friends from far and near,

What is a celebration without those we hold dear. - (Injete Chesoni)

II

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. - (Oprah Winfrey)

III

Celebrate the little things in life, appreciate tomorrow, love your neighbor or don’t, but never condemn yourself to a life without cause to celebrate and be thankful for what you have. Never forget the people you love and love them when you have an occasion to do so. Celebrate their life and celebrate yours. - (Anonymous)

IV

Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey! - (Barbara Hoffman)

V

Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living. - (Amanda Bradley)

Image: Celebration Table (Circle of Sisters III), African Art by Injete Chesoni.

Celebration, Family and Friend Quotes: http://www.favorite-famous-quotes.com/celebration-quotes.html

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