A Most Important Gift

I would like to offer the suggestion of giving yourself something important and powerful. Give yourself this coming year. In the next week be clear as to what your deepest values are. My values are kindness, compassion, joy and positive indifference. What are yours? Be specific as to what these values are. In the next week write down your values and set intentions in the coming year that relate to them.

Do not fear or lament this time. This is the time you were born for. Do not become enthralled (the word thrall means slave. To be enthralled is to be enslaved,) by bad or disrespectful behavior. It is almost certain you will see some, or evidence of corruption or some breakdown in society. Do not get it twisted, resist the urge to add to the cacophony of complaints. Use it as a stimulus to create a burning desire to truly become your best self; calm, confident, positive and committed.

This life is so short, and none can know if we will live beyond today, let alone the next year. Commit to moving toward a destination with the values you would leave as a legacy. Do not die with your mind inflamed with rage and judgement.

The gift is one to yourself. Understand that you are a participant in the drama that is your life. All of it. World politics, changes in technology and financial and family issues. You are also bigger than all of the drama combined. The gift is recognizing your size and power. You are not inside of your life, your life is inside of you. Everyone you know or have ever heard about. Your life is inside of you. Own it, and balance it. The gift is peace, and the power of a vow. The vow to be your best self and to shine your positive values into the world.