2008 has been an incredible year!
Beautiful babies have been born to joyful, expectant parents. New graduates have received job offers. Motivated employees have been promoted to positions they love. Creative individuals have invented new gadgets and technologies to make life easy for everyone. New and old cities have experienced business boom.
After going through loads of challenges for so many years, Newfoundland and Labrador is now a have province. Wow!
But the economic crisis has somehow dampened the positive impact of all these wonderful developments around the globe. Hundreds of families have been left with no pension, employment, or security.
In the face of these difficulties, how can we be happier next year?
Set limits
Whether you like it or not, many people will claim a piece of you — your time, your money, and your possessions. Unknown callers will demand for your donation. Some friends want you to assume more responsibilities outside your family. And some neighbors will make unreasonable requests. If you’ve lived for at least 20 years, you know what I’m talking about.
How many calls from telemarketers have you received for the past year, disturbing your dinner and pleasant conversation with your spouse? Learn to hang up the phone and say no diplomatically without feeling guilty. Set limits to unnecessary demands from people you dislike and from organizations you hate.
Reduce needless distractions that have stopped you from finishing your tasks, from spending more time with your family, and from achieving your goals. Stop unproductive activities that you feel you “should” perform just to please others. Make use of your precious time on things that you love to do.
Prioritize peace of mind
Peacefulness means being at peace with yourself and with others around your circle of influence. Love yourself. You have great qualities that you need to rediscover and that you need to fall in love to. Loving yourself doesn’t mean being selfish.
Improve your relationships with loved ones although they may have hurt you before. Forgive their mistakes and let go. Learn how to express your love and to communicate your displeasure without provoking anger or stress. Also, dissolve destructive ties as soon as possible. If you as a parent struggle to be effective at home, learn organizing and parenting skills
Respect yourself regardless of what you’ve done. Gain respect from others. You deserve it. Anyone who doesn’t value your time and your individuality doesn’t deserve your presence.
Focus on solving problems
Believe it or not but all people have problems. You’re not alone. For the past year, economic crunch has been the common element that binds humanity. Falling stocks and housing prices, failing banks and bankrupt companies have caused distress, fear, and uncertainty among us.
But people have different ways in facing crisis. Avoiding the blame game is one of the most logical solutions. It won’t help anyone if you blame your neighbor for your maxed-out credit cards or for your miserable life with a nagging wife. You can’t blame your friend when your boss fires you from a coveted job after you went to work with an alcoholic breath.
Fix the problem with open eyes. Be prepared to accept your shortcomings. Stay strong as you change your attitude, your spending habits, and your work ethics. If you want to turn things around, explore new possibilities . . . and solutions.
Enjoy the moment
Enjoy what you have right now, though how little they may seem. At least, they are yours. Don’t be too consumed by what has yet to happen and by what you may own in the future.
Love the present. Smell the coffee’s aroma early in the morning. Feel the soft snow that blankets your driveway. Enjoy your children’s funny jokes and giggles. Surprise your loved ones with a hug or two. Listen.
To avoid boredom, establish activities that will keep you occupied the whole day. Start the morning with a positive attitude and infectious enthusiasm, and end the day with a heart filled with gratitude.
Set long-term goals
To avoid distractions and to lessen unproductive endeavors, you have to know your desired destination. Set and achieve small goals that can help you achieve the wishes of your heart 10 to 20 years from now. Is it to own a Victorian house in a scenic subdivision? Is it to finish a four-year degree? Is it to grow your business tenfold?
Plan your success. If not, others will plan it for you at your expense. Believe in your ability to reach your dreams. If you don’t believe in yourself, who will? Make your dreams big enough to motivate you to act.
Above all, have faith in the Holy Creator as the sole source of all your blessings. In His own time, He will grant your requests.
Happy New Year!
About the Author:
Dr. Michael G. Rayel — author, game inventor, and psychiatrist — has created the Oikos Game Series to promote emotional health and A 31-Day Series to help kids and teens. Since 2005, he has published Oikos’ Insights! www.oikosinsights.com as an online resource for personal development. Visit www.oikosglobal.com for more info.
