I originally planned to leave this painting on only for the holiday season, but it got such a good response that I decided to add it permanently to the gallery with the hope that its message will inspire us all to look out for others and do whatever we can to help those in need. Hopefully, we will all gain insight, compassion, wisdom, and understanding in the coming year.

Life may be short, but we all have plenty of opportunities each day to share our unique gifts and talents with others. Everyone has something worth sharing. Believe in yourself and what you have to offer. Adopt a pet. Volunteer. Mentor someone. Experiment to see how your smile looks when it reflects back from someone else's face. Discover a passion and dedicate yourself to it.

My grandmother used to say that the secret to happiness was to always be in love with something or someone, and preferably both at the same time. That's probably the best advice I've ever received.

Find the darkest places and let your light shine.