Congratulations to all who made it through 2020!
Did you find your sweet spot to celebrate New Year’s Eve and Day in a way that welcomed you into a little haven of hope instead of a hangover? I hope so.
While putting away all our holiday decorations, for many, it really doesn’t feel any different than the last twelve months. And for so many who lost a loved one, like my family, it’s been hard to even say the word “Happy” with the New Year!
Like my husband said this week, he still feels like he is in the twilight zone, and the New Year countdown is still reverberating across our nation. With all the continuing election challenges and lawsuits lingering in this month and many hoping for a miracle or two, we all wonder what is next. Then add COVID numbers rising during the New Year winter months amid any number of vaccines being administered to healthcare workers, nursing homes, teachers, even politicians. All are hoping for mild side effects from those vaccines.
So, while we watch things unfold in this brave new world, how are you getting into life’s routines for 2021?
No matter what life throws at us, let’s be determined to fill our hearts and hands with purpose and passion on behalf of others around you and for our nation. I know I am definitely more determined to support others who are on the frontlines with the values I hold dear.
This 2021 year and beyond is not the time to go back into our hiding places. So, what “scatteringly brilliant” ideas have you come up with? If you are struggling with how to navigate the coming months and years, how about revisiting your core values? Let’s get back to the basics of what is most important to you. From the list provided, choose your top five core values. Then assess how your relationships with family, friends, and strangers alike support those core values.
Which relationships have been a barrier to living your core values? But before you file for divorce or say “hasta la vista” to that friend, let’s take some time in the next article this month to focus on ways we may or may not communicate our values with one another.
| ACCEPTANCE—to be accepted as I am ACCURACY—to be accurate in my opinions and beliefs ACHIEVEMENTS—to have important accomplishments ADVENTURE—to have new and exciting experiences ATTRACTIVENESS—to be physically attractive AUTHORITY—to be in charge of and responsible for others AUTONOMY—to be self-determined and independent BEAUTY—to appreciate beauty around me CARING—to take care of others CHALLENGE—to take on difficult tasks and problems CHANGE—to have a life full of change and variety COMFORT—to have a pleasant and comfortable life COMMITMENT—to make enduring, meaningful commitments COMPASSION—to feel and act on concern for others CONTRIBUTION—to make a lasting contribution in the world COOPERATION—to work collaboratively with others COURTESY—to be considerate and polite toward others CREATIVITY—to have new and original ideas DEPENDABILITY—to be reliable and trustworthy DUTY—to carry out my duties and obligations ECOLOGY—to live in harmony with the environment EXCITEMENT—to have a life full of thrills and stimulation FAITHFULNESS—to be loyal and true in relationships FAME—to be known and recognized FAMILY—to have a happy, loving family FITNESS—to be physically fit and strong FLEXIBILITY—to adjust to new circumstances easily FORGIVENESS—to be forgiving of others FRIENDSHIP—to have close, supportive friends FUN—to play and have fun | GENEROSITY—to give what I have to others GENUINENESS–to act in a manner that is true to who I am GOD’S WILL—to seek and obey the will of God GROWTH–to keep changing and growing HEALTH—to be physically well and healthy HELPFULNESS—to be helpful to others HONESTY—to be honest and truthful HOPE—to maintain a positive and optimistic outlook HUMILITY—to be modest and unassuming HUMOR—to see the humorous side of myself and the world INDEPENDENCE—to be free from dependence on others INDUSTRY—to work hard and well at my life tasks INNER PEACE—to experience personal peace INTIMACY—to share my innermost experiences with others JUSTICE—to promote fair and equal treatment for all KNOWLEDGE—to learn and contribute valuable knowledge LEISURE—to take time to relax and enjoy LOVED—to be loved by those close to me LOVING—to give love to others MASTERY—to be competent in my everyday activities MINDFULNESS—to live conscious and mindful of the present moment MODERATION—to avoid excesses and find a middle ground MONOGAMY—to have one close, loving relationship NON-CONFORMITY—to question and challenge authority and norms NURTURANCE—to take care of and nurture others OPENNESS—to be open to new experiences, ideas, and options ORDER—to have a life that is well-ordered and organized | PASSION—to have deep feelings about ideas, activities, or people PLEASURE—to feel good POPULARITY—to be well-liked by many people POWER—to have control over others PURPOSE—to have meaning and direction in my life RATIONALITY—to be guided by reason and logic REALISM—to see and act realistically and practically RESPONSIBILITY—to make and carry out responsible decisions RISK—to take risks and chances ROMANCE—to have intense, exciting love in my life SAFETY—to be safe and secure SELF-ACCEPTANCE—to accept myself as I am SELF-CONTROL—to be disciplined in my own actions SELF-ESTEEM—to feel good about myself SELF-KNOWLEDGE—to have a deep and honest understanding of myself SERVICE—to e of service to others SEXUALITY—to have an active and satisfying sex life SIMPLICITY—to live life simply, with minimal needs SOLITUDE—to have time and space where I can be apart from others SPIRITUALITY—to grow and mature spiritually STABILITY—to have a life that stays fairly consistent TOLERANCE—to accept and respect those who differ from me TRADITION—to follow respected patterns of the past VIRTUE—to live a morally pure and excellent life WEALTH—to have plenty of money WORLD PEACE—to work to promote peace in the world |