Over the past several years, I have always written a post (typically in December) sharing reflections from the prior year and some resolutions looking forward ahead to the new year. As I've written in the past, I tend to make resolutions, because I tend to be a very goal oriented person and like (need) the motivation that comes from working toward something. While I am a bit later with this post than in years past (and am making the post strictly forward looking at this point), I have been thinking about what resolutions I could make for the coming year.
Then, a few days ago, good friend Nick posted this wonderful blog post about his three words for 2013. Instead of a resolution, these words were more of an outline for the coming year, of things he seeks to found this life year on. I think such is a great exercise, and has the potential to be so much more all-encompassing than a simple resolution. I like the idea that the words can capture "big" things (two great words right there), whereas resolutions, which have the advantage of being specific, can fall short by being too limited. So, in the vein of the proverbially "reaching for the stars," my three words for 2013:
Focus: Maintain focus, minimize distractions; or rather, minimize the amount of time that is wasted and lost due to distractions. I have several things I strive towards (goals, so to speak :)), such as striving to be healthier, striving to do better managing finances, striving to be efficient. And I do really well at these things for short stretches, and then lose focus - I get distracted too easily and fall off the path that I want to travel. I want to maintain my focus longer, and with more intensity.
"Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed." - Paulo Coelho, The Devil and Miss Prym
Balance: Kind of a perpetual word in my world, ever since I read Aristotle and my mind *clicked* so easily with his ethic of moderation. I've written earlier about the extra stuff I am involved in, from Kiwanis and Aktion Club to the Library Board and various church committees. Obviously, this year, with finally having the child that Jackie and I have so longed for, achieving an appropriate balance feels more important than ever. It's alright to say no; not because you dislike the person asking you to get involved or hate the project, etc., but because time is finite. And its not just trying to strike the right balance between work and non-work, but within that non-work time, balancing time appropriately between service obligations and family, and among family.
"Be aware of wonder. Live a balance life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some." - Robert Fulgham
Happiness: This may seem like an unusual word choice, but hey, their my words and its my blog, right. The reason why I include it is because the word is a simple reminder; a reminder to be happy. My personality is such that I can often drag myself down paths of somber moodiness. I get wrapped up with thoughts deep in my mind, and lose a little touch with my reality. Such is unfortunate, because my reality for the coming year - a wife who is my friend and complete partner, a beautiful new daughter, a crazy dog that makes me smile everyday, an incredible loving family, loyal and trusted friends, good job and great co-workers, a wonderful fellowship network through our church and other service organizations - well, its pretty awesome. And I need to remember that.
"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." - Dalai Lama XIV
Focus. Balance. Happiness. My 3 words of guidance to myself for the coming year. All our daily challenges, and worthwhile. Bring it on 2013.
"Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can." - Dalai Lama XIV
Focus: Maintain focus, minimize distractions; or rather, minimize the amount of time that is wasted and lost due to distractions. I have several things I strive towards (goals, so to speak :)), such as striving to be healthier, striving to do better managing finances, striving to be efficient. And I do really well at these things for short stretches, and then lose focus - I get distracted too easily and fall off the path that I want to travel. I want to maintain my focus longer, and with more intensity.
"Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed." - Paulo Coelho, The Devil and Miss Prym
Balance: Kind of a perpetual word in my world, ever since I read Aristotle and my mind *clicked* so easily with his ethic of moderation. I've written earlier about the extra stuff I am involved in, from Kiwanis and Aktion Club to the Library Board and various church committees. Obviously, this year, with finally having the child that Jackie and I have so longed for, achieving an appropriate balance feels more important than ever. It's alright to say no; not because you dislike the person asking you to get involved or hate the project, etc., but because time is finite. And its not just trying to strike the right balance between work and non-work, but within that non-work time, balancing time appropriately between service obligations and family, and among family.
"Be aware of wonder. Live a balance life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some." - Robert Fulgham
Happiness: This may seem like an unusual word choice, but hey, their my words and its my blog, right. The reason why I include it is because the word is a simple reminder; a reminder to be happy. My personality is such that I can often drag myself down paths of somber moodiness. I get wrapped up with thoughts deep in my mind, and lose a little touch with my reality. Such is unfortunate, because my reality for the coming year - a wife who is my friend and complete partner, a beautiful new daughter, a crazy dog that makes me smile everyday, an incredible loving family, loyal and trusted friends, good job and great co-workers, a wonderful fellowship network through our church and other service organizations - well, its pretty awesome. And I need to remember that.
"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." - Dalai Lama XIV
Focus. Balance. Happiness. My 3 words of guidance to myself for the coming year. All our daily challenges, and worthwhile. Bring it on 2013.
"Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can." - Dalai Lama XIV
Well said, sir. Great words.
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