|
Written by traci osullivan
|
|
Friday, 12 February 2010 |
Given it is the beginning of a New Decade we should all allow ourselves some time for deeper reflection; time to think, not only of a resolution, but of what matters most in our lives.
A few people have asked what my New Years resolution would be and I guiltily admitted I had none. Some time over the past few years I stopped making resolutions because I seemed not to follow through with them; at least not for long.
On the more positive side I had begun a process of reflection shortly before or after the New Year. This included looking at the past years success and failures and planning ahead for hopes, dreams and goals. Some times it included meditation, others writing and sometimes collage. There are many ways to engage one’s inner creativity to inspire one for the future.
This year one of my goals is to share topics of interest that inspire
me and hopefully inspire others. The topic I would like to begin with
for the new decade is “What matters most” which I have borrowed from
James Hollis; one of my favorite authors. Knowing what is personally
meaningful is taken for granted. We think we all recognize immediately
what our needs are and how best to live our lives. In truth, this is
often not the case; people rarely consider what inspires them and how
they navigate the sea of life. What matters most has taken a back seat
to all the business of getting ahead, making deadlines and taking care
of basic needs. Most people have been worked hard to achieve their
goals with little reflection on how they feel and if they are happy.
Many climb the ladder of success and find they have the wrong tree.
Whatever the case, what matters most is something that each individual
deserves to have time to reflect upon and to begin to make space for in
their busy lives!
Due to all the change and chaos in these difficult economic times, it
may seem the last thing one should do is take time out to focus on what
one wants or desires. However, what may appear to be selfish is
actually necessary to energize and harness one’s abilities. It is like
the airline advice instructing that one should always put one’s own
oxygen mask on first before helping some one else. We each have to know
where our oxygen mask is and how to put it on in order to make the best
use of our talents.
Some helpful hints in beginning to track what is most important
include, journaling, reflecting on accomplishments, tracking your moods
i.e.: simply checking in at days end and noting your energy level.
Moods are good indicators, mild depressions, anxiety and patterns of
intolerance often indicate something that is missing. From a deeper
stand point it indicates that something is amiss and may be remedied by
paying attention to your true needs, not those you have adopted over
time to please others and to succeed.
If you are burnt out on a regular basis this could indicate the need
to address patterns you have developed and plan for subtle changes.
Think about the things you loved to do as a child. Do any of them still
draw your attention? If so find ways to incorporate them and
other elements of fun and hobbies in your life. One of the most
powerful exercises for reflection on “what matters” is to consider what
you want people to remember you for once you have left this world? What
would you want said about you after you are gone?
In wrapping up this introduction to what is meaningful let us consider
what world events have brought to the surface through the major shake
up of the earth in Haiti. Seeing the suffering , up close and personal,
makes one all the more aware of what matters most! Daily embracing
one’s life, those loved ones and friends whom are meaningful and taking
time to let them know they are important! Take time for gratitude in
life and reflection upon a life well lived.
Traci O'Sullivan
Traci has an M.A. in Clinical psychology and has also completed 3 years
of graduate studies in clinical psychology with an emphasis in depth
psychology, toward a PH. D. , from Pacifica Graduate Institute in
California
.
| Comments () >> |
 |
| Write comment |
You must be logged in to a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet. |
 |
|
Last Updated ( Friday, 12 February 2010 )
|
Opinion 
