Not Happy?
Impact. At the end of every year, we reflect, evaluate, and consider what we have accomplished and if we have stayed on track. Often, we realize we have accomplished more than anticipated, yet not all we desired. Some intentions seem to roll over year after year. For instance, being debt free. Nowadays, being the first millionaire in our families or losing enough weight to get back into the dress or suit we wore ten years ago. Starting a business, retiring, and on and on. We may have increased sales, views, and reach, and got really close, only to find ourselves not quite there yet. So, we repackage our intentions for the new year and start again after a week or two break and back on our grind.
However, have you paused and asked yourself if what you are striving for aligns with your evolving self? Maybe, you are on a day-to-day job, career path, and commitment that once fueled your passion: However, now it is more of a burden and a drain, and you feel you’ve invested too much time and energy to change directions.
Suppression of one’s authentic self, voice, and passion are at the top of the list for depression, overeating, drinking, sleeping, spending money, TV watching, and plain-ole escapism. Here is the thing many of us are not present with our authentic selves and voice. We know what we do and how we have survived and made it to this point. We know the one, two, and three of creating a vision board, lists, and affirmations. Trust me, all this work is positive; However, many find themselves still tattered with unfulfillment.
The 2020 pandemic that still exists allowed all of us to reset, recalibrate, reconnect, and slow down. Be present with ourselves, family, and the world at large. The panic and uneasiness caused many of us to jump back on the merry-go-round of unfulfilled behaviors. Doing the same thing, asking ourselves, how did I get back here?
How do we find balance and commitment when it feels, once again, there is not enough time?
What are your values?
What is most important?
How do you feel mentally, physically, and spiritually?
Who are you? And
How do you want to IMPACT yourself, your family, and your community?
What does that look like to you?
Is it in alignment with your core values? Or
Are you being pulled by outside influences that are subliminally defining your goals?
About two months ago, I was fortunate to sit in the company of a billionaire. Yeap, what’s funny is I didn’t care for this individual, meaning their energy was a bit much for me, I thought. However, in this setting, they were very calm and thoughtful in the conversation. A question was asked, “What makes you happy?” This person paused, and the one asking the question said, it’s ok to say it here. The person looked, “well, I never do anything to make me happy; it’s not on my radar, “happy”! Happiness is so temporary. I do things that bring me joy, bring my family joy; my bottom line is joy.” Further stated, “I may have to do some things I do not like, but the goal is joy. I get joy in making and creating a difference in others’ lives. That’s why I do what I do.”
As you are planning, visualizing, and creating, consider, does this goal bring you joy. Your mental health feeds on joy, fulfillment, and uplifting intentions. Create from your truth. Stay away from temporary fixes, goals, and band-aid solutions. Disciplined behaviors start where you are. 5 mins a day with your intentions and goals roll into a lifestyle change. Trust me. Many of you have watched me transform my physical self. This happened with inner work, and it is ongoing. Remember, it is a journey, not an overnight trip. We tweak along the way, adjust, and release the imposter syndrome. You are not a fraud; you are deputized to live your authentic self! Impact!
Written by Lurinda Iris Jones
Director of COINPM