Making Myself a Priority
Understanding the need to make changes, and actually implementing those changes are often two entirely different stories. I had made up my mind to make myself a priority this year and, as we are into the second quarter of the year I’ll admit my results are mixed.
It isn’t because I don’t WANT to do the things I’ve committed to doing, it’s just that making the changes means letting go of some habits and establishing new habits. I usually do well with things like the 21-Day Reset but it’s somehow much more difficult to find 10 minutes to journal every day. I have the journal in my purse. It is with me wherever I go. About the only thing I could do to make it more convenient is to physically strap it to my body. I’m working out every day (which is a GOOD thing) but I’m not making progress on the spiritual side of things.
The other day I had an interesting conversation with a stranger while I was waiting to pick up my kids. I think I had this experience because I was open to the moment and connecting with someone I didn’t know. The point of the story that he told me was that he became successful when he decided to stop trying to do what others thought he should be doing and instead just strive to be significant.
Boy, that hit home for me. It struck me because that really is what I consider to be success. Perhaps a step in the right direction was just being open to these spontaneous conversations and recognizing the gifts of others. It can be easy to forget how much the world has to offer.
I’ve come to the realization that even on these deeply personal journeys, it is critical to to find support and accountability. Surrounding myself with people to cheer me on and check in on me means that I get to my goal faster. It is also helpful to have others to talk it out with. This is especially useful when I run into a block. Talking it out can pinpoint where the block is really coming from (as it can be surprising).
My commitment (for now) is to try to write in my journal after I get home from dropping the kids off. As they say, ‘a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’… my journey will begin with pen meeting paper. Because I’m worth it!
What commitments are you striving to keep?
