Considering Your Next Best Step
Whether you are twenty-one and on the cusp of a move or ninety-two and writing your final chapter, you are considering your next best step. For the young, life is wide open and full of possibility. But even for those with decades under their belt, life still holds important possibilities.
Each year brings unexpected developments, yet each year also unfolds to a large degree in sync with our thoughts and actions. Give some thought to the moves that are within your control in these areas:
Spiritual. How have you engaged intentionally to create spiritual peace in your life? Perhaps you have good spiritual habits or perhaps none at all. Maybe you’ve encountered conundrums that seem insurmountable. The life you may yet live at any age contains an inherently spiritual component. How will you engage it this year? Who might have some ideas?
Physical. Expectations make a big difference here. Be realistic, but don’t limit yourself unnecessarily either. Don’t guilt yourself with what you can’t do or didn’t do. Instead, focus on what you can do within whatever conditions you have. As we tell our Parkinson’s patients and caregivers all of the time, a little bit of something is better than a whole lot of nothing. And those who take action to do something, typically do better than those who do nothing.
Family and Friends. Given whatever your current circumstances may be, become the friend you’d like to have. Reciprocation is never guaranteed. But, what do your family and friends need from you? Not want, need. How can you move in this direction?
Adventure. Learn, travel, explore, create. The world is full of wonder and opportunity. One of my favorite Parkinson’s patients started taking piano lessons in his late 80’s! Step into an experience this year that challenges you and stimulates your adventure molecules.
Financial. Save, pay off, spend wisely, prepare, give. What can you learn and how can you take positive steps financially this year?
Work. What would it mean for you to do your best this year? Most of us tell our kids that if they just do their best, we will be proud of them because their best will at least be very good. How do you need to reorient your goals, rhythms, and habits to do your best work?
Service. Someone needs your encouragement or help. Avoid pity, but embrace active compassion. You can make someone’s load a little lighter if only for a day. How will you make a difference?
The life you may yet live is well within your reach. You can do it!
Worth Repeating
Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.
-Wilma Rudolph
