What Is My Path for 2019 and Beyond? I have recently had the opportunity to reflect on the new year, and if it is shaping up in the ways that I am called to follow. Based on this contemplation, I have crafted a 10, 10, 1, setting up goals for the next 10 years in a tool that is referenced in Rachel Hollis' book, Girl Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals. So I set out to define my values, to make sure that they are real and current, and to make sure to include all that carry the most weight in my life. Here they are, in an order that can change on a daily basis, while still remaining true in my heart, soul, and spirit: 1. I am running an exceptional domestic violence shelter in Cochabamba, Bolivia. 2. I give God the glory. 3. I am authentic, balanced, and transparent. 4. I hold the children of the world in my heart and treat them with the dignity and respect that they deserve. 5. I empower and inspire survivors on an daily basis. 6. I am physically fit and free to do anything I set my mind to. 7. I constantly challenge myself mentally to reach new heights. 8. I have emotional strength and resilience; therefore, I give and receive love with ease. 9. I have financial freedom, and I live in a way that is sustainable and supports the resources I have and those of future generations. 10. I set and achieve measurable goals. Affirmations to Spark Recognition and Realization You will notice that the goals are written in true affirmation style as this has been proven to stimulate the brain to believe that they are real, possible, and true, so that if they are not truly actualized at this point, that they will be within a realistic time in the future. My Main Goal is Still the Same You may also notice that these are all things that I am currently striving for, however, the formula in 10, 10, 1 is to choose one goal that you are giving your true focus towards for this year, and then another for the next, and so on. If you are a reader of this blog, then you will know that I am extremely passionate about opening a domestic violence shelter in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and so I have listed this as my focus goal for this year. It is a goal that I am still striving toward on a daily basis, and all of my goals are in support of this goal. What is my personal WHY, or motivation, behind each of the remaining goals? First and foremost, I give glory to the One who gives me life, and this will always be central to me. In order to reach my goals, I must follow my values, hence the "authentic, balanced, and transparent" goal. It is important to me to always honor the dignity and respect of all people, including children, and to seek to spread the message that they are true and full humans, even if they are smaller than us. The same can be said for inspiring and empowering survivors, which is something that I can and must do in any circumstance and in any environment. Included in my goals is also the four quadrant evaluative tool of the spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental areas (and since I have already included spiritual above, I added in financial to help provide a foundation in this area as well). Finally, I included in a goal about setting and achieving measurable goals to make sure that all of these are realistic and can be completed in a set period of time. Sharing My Goals With My Loved Ones I am sharing these goals 1) to be accountable and transparent with my loved ones and 2) to inspire you to create goals and dreams of your own, so that we may follow our individual callings to become the best versions of ourselves!
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I was going to save this for a personal email to all of my loved ones, as I so rarely reveal my personal self on my blogsite; however, in the spirit of honesty and renewal with all things new that come with the new year, here goes: What have I learned over the past year? I have learned that there are people there for you, in all types of different ways, from all walks of life, depending upon the season in which you find yourself. I have learned to be patient, that as the yoga video I do daily as part of my morning practice states, "life is on a spiral path." I have learned that it is not always about reaching your goals as quickly as you possibly can, but instead about the lessons you learn along the way. I have learned to embrace those lessons in order to really live in the moment and let life wash over me, one second at a time, like a wave in an ocean or the beauty of a sunrise. What am I going to take from what I have learned? That I am a vulnerable, humble, alive human being with scars and marks that reveal who I really have been, where I am going, and how much more I have yet to absorb in lessons from those who have already been there. What am I looking forward to in the future weeks, months, and years? Renewed connections with those who have gotten away, continued connections with those who refuse to look away, and connections unknown in those whom I have yet to encounter. I am so excited to be given the opportunity time and time again to renew, recreate, and rejuvenate this beautiful life that I am a part of...I can only hope those who hold a place in my heart know that it is there and that it will always be there. |
AuthorValerie Ellis, who is in alignment with the Black Lives Matter Movement and everyone whose life is impacted, now or before, by times of social injustice. Archives
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