Yesterday was my birth-day and I know that’s not unusual, but it’s really the day that all things begin each year for me.
Everyone has their New Year’s resolutions on the 1st of January, but I believe that my birth-day is the day that I reflect, redesign, reconfigure, recommit and resolve everything in my life. Every stone is turned over and every item is evaluated and categorized.
First, I write down all the things I’m grateful for and how that has affected my life. I really wallow in gratitude about the good that happened in the calendar year: all my accomplishments (big or small), all the new and exciting things I’ve experienced, all the new and exciting people that have been added to my life, all the relationships that have gone deeper below the surface, all the laughter and good times, and all the milestones I’ve witnessed of my children and grandchildren.
Second, I take a look at the things that aren’t working and those things that make me weary/stressed. When it comes to those things, it’s about making a decision…do I keep these things in my life or do they need to be discarded? Sometimes those things can be major decisions like living arrangements (’cause we know rent keeps going up), a major purchase, relationships (friendships, business, love interests), or employment/career. Other times they can be simple things that require movement like cleaning out the garage/attic or getting together those donations you have for the church and dropping them off.
Third, I take personal inventory. This involves checking on my mental, emotional and spiritual well being. I begin to ask questions like: “Am I where I want to be?” “Do I need to increase my meditation/prayer?” “Is it time to Fast?” “Is there someone/something draining my energy and blocking my creativity?”
Seems like a lot. But, it’s really not if you practice doing these things periodically and hold yourself accountable to your progress/movement. I believe if you’re not growing you’re stagnant and stale…and if you’re stagnant and stale you’re not of much use to anyone including yourself.
If you’re following along, start with one thing. Maybe it’s more important that you build yourself up right now. Then, what I would suggest is that you grab a journal and begin to write down EVERYTHING that you’re grateful for. I don’t care how small you think it is…write it down. Then, practice having a gratitude dump the end of each month. You’ll read what you wrote the beginning of the month and then write down how it ended. Only focus on the good though.
After about six months, maybe you’ll be ready to add on the second part where you take a look at the things you need to discard/change. Gradually move towards doing all three, making sure not to become overwhelmed.
As I start my New Year, I’m grateful for reconciliation of family and friends. I’m grateful for a deeper connection with my adult children. I made a major decision to cut someone off completely who was draining my spirit and was a cancer to my soul. I’ve made the decision to get back to writing encouraging messages on post cards and placing them in strategic places around the house to remind me of who I am and where I’m going.
If you dare, share what you’re grateful for.
~~flowing
