Imagine if one day you woke up and your life had changed.
You are happy with your life and who you have become.
You are looking forward to your day with excitement and enthusiasm.
You are living the life you have always dreamed of but were too scared to pursue.
It requires courage and effort to live the way you want, but if you are ready to make changes, the first step is creating the vision.
You have probably heard about creating a wish list or vision board to get what you desire. However, this post is not about wish lists or vision boards. It is about learning how to look deep within and identify your values. Yes, values, the true internal values that matter to you, not the ones created by society for you. And, based on your values you will be able to determine who you are and what you need to make the changes you want in your life.
The key is to dig deep through the layers of artificial,
society-determined
culture-determined; and
family-determined
beliefs to get to yours.
Write down 20 things that you love doing or that carry lasting joy.
You might discover that although you value spending time with your loved ones, you also appreciate being alone. Time alone recharges you and brings you peace.
You might discover that you do not like going out to restaurants and prefer cooking at home because you value making healthy meals for your family.
Identify five or so values that resonate with your authentic self.
Here are possible examples that you might choose from
Family, Love, Support, Belonging, Acceptance, Achievement, Security, Responsibility, Approval, Fun, Contribution, Making a difference, Creativity, Competence, Spirituality, Excellence, Freedom, Peace, Health, and Service
Feel free to come up with your own and when you have the top five, visualize your perfect day using all of them. Keep this image because it reflects your true self filled with lasting joy and happiness. Knowing your internal values will outline a vision for your life.
Start small, have a plan for 2022. Based on each of your values, create a few action steps that you will commit to doing within the next few months. Consistency is the key. It is not about trying to make ten different changes at once, it is about being consistent. It is better to choose one action aligned with your values and do it daily until it becomes automatic.
I believe in you and your success. When you do something that comes from your heart, you are closer to your true self and our purpose we are here to accomplish. Good luck!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.” – Marianne Williamson
