Coming near the end of the year, the arbitrary culmination of a calendar to which we humans subscribe, though Mother Nature and her other creatures carry on seamlessly, it becomes natural for me every 52 weeks to feel the presence of an emotional purge and cleanse. At times, yes, physical too - I have fallen into the trap of pressured resolutions including being another populate at the local gym on January 1. Becoming more active, of course, is usually an "up" compared to wherever you were before, so I can't knock anyone's real hopes for increased health and well being. But as I've noticed throughout 2013, my mentality (fluctuating as our recent weather forecasts in PA!) rules the power of my attitude and perspectives for upcoming goals.
I recently read someone pose the question: What if, instead of crossing items off our bucket list, we work in general towards becoming a better human? Much of what I found this year to be challenging my emotional and psychological harmony was that certain things, or certain events in my life were perceived to be "wrong " or "inopportune" along my path envisioned. So, when confronted with the roadblocks, my brain started to scramble and tears began to unfold. I truly believe in the universe giving us what we can handle, or at least, later on the lesson to what we might have questioned about a given experience; in the tough moments, however, this is difficult to remember.
Overall, I have fewer tough moments than precious and provocative ones. Part of which, is due to the ability to frame positively the goings-on in my life. Working with clients this year has significant challenged that, as I have written in other posts about comparing my work and my life, to their status and/or problems shared. But, being a better human is not about being better than. It's not about being "more" or "less" or even "equal" to the other. It's relative to only yourself. Just as we are responsible in our choices to be happy/sad/destitute/resentful/grateful, I will be better only by moving towards.
I deliberately say "towards" not "forwards," as I have found that progression in becoming better in anything includes some setbacks. This mantra is also often applied to the physical - weight and energy and my liking for my appearance is an ebb and flow, too. Emotionally and mentally, it doesn't seem any different. I have a tattoo on my ankle, a Chinese symbol representing "knowledge," to engage my ambitions of persistently moving towards. It reminds not only my right foot ;) but my soul that becoming better includes constant learning.
So, I hope this time of year brings as much joy to each of you as it does for me; I get all giddy in the nostalgia of family-laden festivities between Christmas and New Year's. Each has always meant more to me than the presents and sparklers. And I encourage joy for each of you, and to take hold of it wholly and purposefully when you get up every morning. Being better, can mean simply to be self-aware. Give yourself the choice and credit to own your feelings! You will be amazed with where they take you...
