“”Happy is the Man who wants what he has.””
Well, the first month of the year is over. Can someone please let me know how we can slow things down just a bit? If you agree with me, it seems that time goes by faster and faster.
It has been a great start to the year for me and my team. I'm not sure what happened at the end of last year, but it seemed that most people had just had enough of 2011 and wanted it to be over. I read a comment on Facebook, which I thought was a good assessment of 2011, “It felt like being in labor and giving birth, and the hope is that in 2012 we can now enjoy the fruits of our labor; the baby.” Well, if my experience is anything to go by, we have been enjoying the baby this past month and 2012 is looking great!
My New Year's resolution for this year is to take life less seriously. After all, as much as we think we are in control of our lives, we are not. Yes, we can do more. Rush from place to place and play more, but that doesn't necessarily make you feel better. If you're not comfortable with what you have, and you're living in fear of losing it all, then you can never truly be self fulfilled.
People set their goals by determining what they want to change. But when it seems nothing has changed, they feel bad, guilty or frustrated. One needs to see the balance between self acceptance and self improvement.
Self acceptance leads to confidence, which makes one feel good, thus setting you up for success. If you can accept yourself, you cannot be defeated by failure or rejection. No external condition can make you happy. Not money, not finding the perfect partner, not a career. But find greater self acceptance, and it can bring you more money, a great relationship, and an amazing career. Self acceptance is attractive. Others are drawn to it. Decide what you want and move fearlessly towards your goals. Attaining your goals will not make you more acceptable, but accepting yourself will help you attain your goals.
It is said that it takes 21 days to start a new habit that creates a new behavior. Therefore, one could develop 17 new habits in one year. Wow, now that could be a massive turn around in anyone's life. Well, I am constantly working on my goal, and so far so good. I have let go of being attached to the outcome. Yes, I set my goal. I take steps to achieve that goal. I do the hard work, but I have released the stresses I have carried around with me for years, which was not a smart way to live life.
Yet, I believe I'm not alone. It is said only 8% of what we worry about or fear ever really comes true. With those odds, I think we can all release our fears and just have fun.
This month I have made a small shift with big results. Forget about being in balance. I know I can never get it all done, so at work I work hard and enjoy everything that comes my way. At home, I appreciate the time I have with my wife and daughter. I really am happy with what I have. I seek to enjoy every experience as a gift. Boy, am I having fun! I cannot wait for the game, and the rest of what 2012 may bring!
Sincerely,
Ralph Harris
TheHomeMag
Editor