We lost a bright light last week.

"Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" and the dozens of books it spawned over the years were wonderful reminders of keeping things in perspective and focusing on what's most important--our happiness. The author, Richard Carlson, died suddenly last week of cardiac arrest on a flight to New York to promote his latest book in the series. He was 45.

To me, and many people I'm sure, this feels like a personal loss. Carlson's writing style was like talking to a dear, wise friend. He inspired me to share my message of universal principles with that same warm, friendly, accessible tone. Carlson was a pioneer in the power of positive thinking and making conscious choices. His wisdom will be missed but will carry on through his books and those he touched.

Forget Your New Year's Resolutions and Get Happy.

Think about all the resolutions you've made at this time of year and how many have come true. If you're like most people, you've abandoned most of those goals by the end of January. I propose a different approach.

Instead of writing down all the things you want to finally accomplish this year--doubling your revenue, losing those last 20 pounds and learning a new skill--put that energy into writing a "Happy List." Writing down what really makes you happy reminds you to do more of those things. Sharing it with others helps them support your happiness while you support theirs. The happier you are, the higher your vibrations will be, and that leads to attracting people and circumstances that vibrate at that same high, positive level. We know this as the Law of Attraction.

As cartoonist Charles Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, once observed, "Happiness is a warm puppy." What's your warm puppy? Working with ideal clients, an organized office, spending time with a special friend, a clean car, stargazing, reading a novel, listening to your favorite music, playing at the beach, singing in a choir, meeting with other enlightened business people, mastering new technology? Write them all down and pick a few each week to enjoy.

And, before you know it, those goals you've been struggling to achieve for so many years--the ones that you really wanted and were for your highest good--will manifest on their own. Happy New Year!

Today is the first day of the rest of my blogs.

When my book, Divine Wisdom at Work, came out this spring, many people asked me to start a blog. At first I thought my book and monthly e-newsletter and talks were enough to share my Divine Aha's! and insights on universal principles. Frankly, I was trying hard to not add another item to my burgeoning to-do list. Was I wrong! The more I learned about blogs, the more I came to appreciate this as the perfect vehicle to share ideas and experiences, and learn from each other.

So, here I am. I chose the parchment template as a reminder that these principles are revered, ancient truths that far surpass the power of anything found in our modern, high-tech world. The Divine Wisdom at Work blog is a place to come to for information and inspiration. I intend to contribute to this blog each time I am inspired to do so (that feels better than committing to so many days a week :-) ) and I hope you will join me in sharing your Divine Wisdom with others. Together, we are building a strong, passionate community of enlightened people who joyfully work with wisdom. And so it is!