Acknowledge the Past, Embrace the Future
Be grateful for today because in a year life will look totally different.
How true is this for 2020. I was thinking about this the other day and how Impactful this statement is because so much has changed and happened this year. Simple tasks that we have all taken for granted, like not being able to walk around freely, wearing masks, new rules and restrictions all around us. Life is sure different this year than we have all grown accustomed to. I honestly never thought that I would be writing in my gratitude journal, that I’m so grateful to not have to wear a mask in public. Go figure. I really miss those days.
I truly believe, when we slow down long enough, stop over analyzing everything and simply just “be” and enjoy life’s little moments, we have created a sphere of inner peace which will exude into other areas of our lives!
In a state of reflection, we may just see that life is far greater than we think. When we stop and think about it, we see that every experience, situation, (whether good or bad) has molded us into who we are. These very thoughts and actions have shifted and shaped our external world to what it is and where we are destined to be. Every single moment has been orchestrated and prepared us for the next phase in our life.
Therefore, if you step back and acknowledge the past, it may become clearer that it is exactly what we need – or needed!
So that got me thinking about taking an inventory of our year. Taking that extra time to be grateful for each day. When we look back upon it, I can guarantee that our outlook will be different! Some good, some bad.
It’s so important not to take for granted the little moments of joy and personal growth that has come into our lives. Cherish those moments. Tell people thank you, miss you, that was fun, you mean a lot to me. For those little moments, as far as we know may never happen again.
Here’s mine for the last two years.
Inventory Pros and Cons 2019
- I was loving my job. Only a year in. People seemed great, work was good, money was decent. I really had no complaints.
- I was on vacation for 3 weeks in the summer in a place I wish to call home soon. Was paid for time away and felt rested and relaxed
- I was madly in love and connecting great with my husband
- Gathering with friends and surfing late into the evening
- Planning our next vacation
- Planning a vacation home
- Felt Lost and uninspired , by simultaneously embracing each of these moments
Inventory Pros and Cons 2020
- Work is not wonderful. Very low energy. Extremely low inspiration and the work I find draining and brings me no joy
- I wear a mask every wear I go, the pandemic sits on my mind as it seems to affect everything in some way or another. Life doesn’t seem to be in the right “flow”.
- Vacation time was cut short due to uncertainty. It was still a beautiful getaway – the weather was great, and we had fun!
- My husband and I are still solid, but we seem to have more things going on. Shifts happening, changes and growth personally between the two of us. Though we still love and support each other, we’re shifting so the energy is slightly different.
- Gatherings are less with friends & family
- Our vacation home fell through – though we just tell ourselves it’s not meant to be and something better is coming
- I had more time at home to write. I felt inspired and started a blog
- A lot more time to slow down and connect with myself
And now I sit with my dreams and goals for 2021
- I choose to retire from my full-time job and run my own successful business. To work with beautiful like minded souls. I choose to be creative every day, coach/teach, write and inspire others. I’m not 100% sure how this will look but I know how it makes me feel 🙌🏼
- I will wake up each morning refreshed and ready to start the day. Excited to be around positive vibrational beings.
- My husband and I will be jiving like nothing else!! We will have completely shifted, laughing, loving and supporting each other even more. Living on the lake, sharing joyful moments with friends and family.
- I hope we don’t have to wear masks that’s for sure
For 2021 I choose to be in the moment! I often forget to live in the present as I am too busy planning my next step for the future. (I am a planner at heart.) But 2021, I am setting the intention to let go of the “forced” planning and let things grow more organically.
Will all of this come true? I am not sure. But I am releasing all the negative thoughts of 2020. It wasn’t all bad. I grew, I became inspired and it’s setting me up for 2021.
I would not change one single thing in my life – for I know it has made me, me! It has built the solid marriage I have. Created my life and propelled my dreams.
I am choosing to stop chasing and controlling every situation. To let go and trust. 2020 taught me we can’t control our external world, but we sure can control the internal world and how we show up.
I am choosing to show up to be my true authentic self in 2021. Are you?
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
I challenge you to complete an inventory in your journal tonight.
Our Practice
Reflect on the following:
Gratitude:
- What are the moments in 2019 & 2020 that brought you happiness?
- What were the pros and cons?
- Where were you in life?
Growth:
- Were there life lessons you didn’t completely understand then, but do now? (ah ha moment)
- Where would you like to shift?
Dreams/Desires/Goals:
- What are your dreams and goals for next year?
- Where will you be?
- What will it look like and more importantly how does it make you feel?
Remember dreams are your heart’s deepest desires. It’s those gut feelings and hopes that you have. It provides you with drive, inspiration and passion. When you think about them, they fill you up with happiness and joy!
However, goals on the other hand, are like activities to entertain the mind. They are usually objective, analytical and have steps and timelines related to them.
Either way, both are available to us all.
If it’s possible for one, it’s possible for us all!
Ask the Universe/God for all your dreams and desires. Being abundant in life is spiritual. Don’t forget that!
Sincerely, Shanna