As we near the end of a year, many people are starting to consider their New Year’s resolutions; the vow to make a change, to be and/or do better. In the past, rather than make a resolution, I gave myself a challenge. One year it was to go without sweets. I made it six months before going on vacation, when I splurged “just this once,” and it was over. Another time I challenged myself not to buy anything new for myself. Given that I hate shopping, that one was actually pretty easy.
This year, however, I’ve been working on a list of who I want to be. How do I treat others and myself? What are my priorities? Over the past ten years or so, I’ve become more introspective. Moving past early adulthood and into true adulthood, nearing middle age, I have been asking myself, “Who am I? Who do I want to be?” Maybe I’m a decade or two late, as young people often go through this period of “finding themselves” upon leaving the nest. Presumably I’ve been “finding myself” very slowly for a long time, gradually becoming the person I am today based on my experiences, the people I meet, the places I see.
This is my list as it stands currently, though I expect and hope that it will grow and evolve as I do. What are your life goals?
Consider every interaction an opportunity to encourage, empower and inspire.
Prioritize being and feeling healthy over a number on the scale or tape measurer.
Dance every day.
Search for beauty in the world. Allow yourself time to appreciate it.
Never assume. Seek out facts.
Take the time to truly see others.
Set realistic expectations for yourself and others.
Let your first response be compassion.
Question everything. Learn and grow every day.
Show yourself compassion and kindness.
Protect yourself from the things, people and activities that could be harmful. You are affected by what you see, hear, and experience.
Be proud of who you are.
Choose what is right over what is comfortable or easy.
Practice active listening; strive to continuously improve.
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