Many of us are in a season of revaluation, reflecting on what has passed, what’s present, and what is to come. (In so many words)
Lately, I had to seriously reevaluate my life and redetermine my priorities – what’s important right now and what’s not. Without delving into my backstory, here are a few mindsets that have helped me keep things in perspective.
1# Revaluate your priorities
When we think about it, many of us have things we prioritize and other things that could be left on the back burner. Everyday life decisions may be easily categorised into essentials and non-essentials in many respects. I’ve discussed this in a previous post which I will link below.
“Take one day at a time” – Healthy ‘Mind’ Habits (Part 3) – LookafterU4me (wordpress.com)
When it comes to everyday decisions, we could be tempted to over-plan, overthink and unde deliver. The things we hope to achieve so often become a chore not a pleasure. And it can be sometimes difficult to distinguish what we should do now and what can be postponed to a later date or hour.
2# Know your values
When I say values, I mean what you hold in high regard. What is important to you?
Our values are so important, even if we are not conscious of them at this present time.
Life changes or pressure can often bring our values and beliefs to the surface. For example, a new relationship or employment status are some prime examples that can reveal our values best.
One of the key ways we learn our values is by interacting with other people on a personal level and sometimes through undesirable everyday conflict. Working environments, our friends’ get-togethers, church functions, family gatherings, volunteering and all opportunities to get to know other people and in effect ourselves.
3# Focus on what’s important
What do you hold with utter importance? Would it be something worldwide like climate change or endangered animal species? Would it be the prominence of social injustice or world poverty? While these causes hold major importance for society at large, there are present causes in our everyday lives that are significant every day. Your emotional well-being, healthy and regular social interactions, and financial stability well-being are very important to function in life.
Most new parents may deem it important to keep on top of their children’s studies or bring them to school on time. Meeting deadlines at university or college is important to a studying student or grasping an understanding of theories etc. However, someone struggling with their mental health may deem getting out of bed, getting dressed or calling a friend of importance, especially in recovery.
What you deem important may progress or change as we get older but some things will remain constant and unchanging. In many ways, it’s the unchanged things that define who you are as a person. Your principles are what set you apart from the rest.
– LookafterU4me
4#Refocus on yourself
Focusing on yourself can initially sound self-centred, but the intention is to imply anything but. Rather, keeping life in perspective in relation to others. Self development & self care is one of the core inspirations behind this blog.
Jim Rohn says it well, I quote:
“The greatest gift you can give somebody is your own personal development. I used to say, “If you will take care of me, I will take care of you. “Now I say, I will take care of me for you, if you will take care of you for me.”
Jim Rohn
“It sometimes feels like we need to try 10 times harder than the rest of the world (or the average person) to stay well – and if you get unwell – life goes on without you – everything stands still me.
– LookAfterU4me
Fear of Relapse and Prevention – LookafterU4me (wordpress.com)
4#Avoid comparison at all costs
In a somewhat competitive world, there can sometimes be an inclination to take a look at what others have obtained or gained, and internally desire the same. In many ways, healthy competition can drive us to do our best within the right context. However, constantly comparing ourselves can bring unwanted demotivation, frustration or a sense of discontentment when are eyes stray from our own lives onto another.
What you may have achieved at age 30 someone could possibly achieve in their 20s. Even if society reflects a specific order for everything, opportunities present themselves, resources arrive, connections are made, our status may change, no two lives are the same.
Even if were possible to reverse the time, or you could go back in time, we can guarantee we would have all the detailed decisions we have made or the obstacles we would face.
One more note:
I watched a handy film over the holidays: it’s a good example of a sense of discontentment gone too far, it’s not based on reality. But it presents a narrative that is helpful upon reflection. In many ways, it brings to mind a classic film called, “It’s a Wonderful Life” – starring James Stewart.
“Carole’s Christmas” | Full Movie | OWN For the Holidays | OWN – YouTube
I wrote this post to say, never give up, never give in, good things are coming.
Many blessings 😊
LookafterU4me
LookafterU4me 