It’s that time when the end of the year comes crashing through like a raging river of candy (Halloween), food (Thanksgiving), and shopping (Christmas). It’s so easy to get swept up in its waters. Whether you love it or hate it, the river is coming and you can’t really fight it, you just kind of have to surrender.
But here is what you can do: Take a moment. Breathe. And consider the following four questions for a minute…
Are you happy? I just read a quote from Viktor Frankl in his book Man’s Search for Meaning: “Happiness can’t be pursued, it ensues as the result of living a life of purpose and meaning.” Are you living a life of purpose and meaning? What would it take to make that happen?
What’s your dream? The more I learn and live my life, the more I believe in the power of visualizing what you want to see happen. Do we create our own reality with our thoughts? Perhaps. Try thinking only good things for a few days. See what happens. How could this year come to an end for you that would leave you splashing and laughing in the river, rather than drowning and fearful? After all, no one said you couldn’t bring an inner tube!
Is your love unconditional? Do you love yourself unconditionally even though you screw things up all the time? (Who doesn’t make mistakes??!!!) The worst is when someone hates him or herself, and then takes it out on everyone else. What would it be like to love both yourself and others unconditionally? Not easy! Right? But maybe, like exercise, it gets easier with practice. And luckily, you’ll have plenty of time to practice over the next few months.
What do you need to stay sane, healthy, and happy? Think about it. Make a list. Put yourself first on it and give it to yourself. Give yourself the gift of self-care and health. And don’t just limit “yourself” to your body. Your body is just the candy coating that protects the jewel that is your heart. If your heart is happy, everything (and everyone) else is happier, too.
OK. Have you taken the moment? Are you ready? Good. Me too. Let’s rock this river!
Oh how I wish it was that easy. I am ready though, been ready, you know this already Maria, but (and there usually is a but) there are other people and things to consider. It’s not that easy for me at this time, but sometime in the future, I’ll be happy and fulfilled because I know what I want and what I want to do, I just need the time to do it.
Someday I’ll get it all working together and be happy and healthier (mentally). Once that happens, I’ll be happy within and hopefully at peace with myself. Maybe I’ll be able to keep spreading some happiness to others, something I’ve been doing for much too long and neglecting my own happiness. We’ll see.
When my Goddaughter was a baby, I took care of her for the first 10 years of her life whenever her mother was working. When she was little, 3 yrs. old, she never wanted me to leave when it was time to go home. She’d sit at my feet and say, “Can you stay just one more minute?” She stole my heart, and also taught me what unconditional love really was. I would have given my life for her and now when she’s 20 and in college, I still would give my life for her. Knowing that kind of love from a child and feeling that much love for a child was the turning point in my life. That experience was what I needed to be happy – because I had not experienced that love in my own family. No matter my health or my life situation, even on ‘bad’ days, nothing can take away that unconditional love nor the joy it gives me. It also taught me to love myself unconditionally, too, so that I could give a good example to follow to my Goddaughter. Whenever I need to “Take A Moment” all I have to do is remember that little face looking up at me and asking me to stay just one more minute – and my moment is blessed!