Being Better

It’s hard to believe that we are already halfway through January of 2017. I hope your year is off to a good and healthy start. I don’t necessarily believe in New Year Resolutions, but I do work to become clearer on my intentions.

2017 is my year of Focus, Fortitude, and Forgiveness.

Like many of you I expect, I find it too easy to get distracted and not stay on point. With our world of cell phones and instant communication, it is easy to get distracted and/or feel like you must respond to people immediately. I have decided to consciously slow things down a little bit in order to better Focus, to keep a more clear mind. I tend to take on too many projects- both at the office and at home, and have begun writing each project down and prioritizing it. Then, with the list in front of me, I can focus on one thing at a time. So far, everything that needs to get done is getting done.

It is human nature to take on the tasks we most enjoy doing and leave the others until later. This often causes angst which is not healthy for the mind or the body. This year I am determined to have the Fortitude to first push through those things that I may not be comfortable with to get them out of the way; then I can take some deep breaths as I take on those tasks which are more in my wheelhouse. I have already discovered there is a sense of freedom in operating this way.

Which brings me to my last F- Forgiveness, and that pertains to me and others. I choose not to beat myself up over situations that may not have gone as planned, as long as I know I have done all I can do; the rest is out of my control. With regard to others, I have learned that it makes no sense to be angry or to hold a grudge against someone else. Most often we do not know what they are experiencing in their life- we are not walking in their shoes. If I am upset with someone, whether it be a friend, business associate or the person that has put me on hold at AT&T, I am learning to approach that person with kindness, in hopes of understanding and remedying what the problem might be between us. If they are resistant to speak about it, then so be it, I have done what I can. Forgiveness is paramount in finding and holding on to all the joy we are capable of feeling and which surrounds us.
 
Wishing everyone a joyful & healthy 2017!