It’s 2022 and once again I have evaluated my life and my growth. I still want the same things that I wanted for 2021; happiness, travel, peace, laughter….but this year I need more. Every year I find myself wanting to do something for me. Being a single mom with three boys, it’s hard to find the time and the activity that is for me. Sometimes I have considered taking a dance class, an art class, organizing monthly dinners with friends, or saving money for something special. Unfortunately, I never really follow through or have the time. This year, I have made a decision for me. I am going to find that special peace of mind that I have been searching for, and I really think I finally figured it out.
A few weeks ago, I was having brunch with a friend. She talked about how she started doing daily affirmations and how putting positivity out into the world has made a positive impact on her life. This got me thinking and then I started looking for how I can start a daily affirmation/meditation and find peace and happiness.
It took me a few days, after reading about different daily affirmations and forms of morning meditations, I finally realized that it’s really not me. It’s not me to sit in silence. My inner voice/critic starts talking and that was not relaxing. The affirmations I found were also just not my personality and I was starting to get frustrated. Then I realized this is something that I want to do for me; to give me peace of mind and happiness. I decided to think about what are things I really enjoy. Well, I love to read and unfortunately, I usually only read novels that I’m teaching. Then I found a book with daily devotionals. I decided to read devotional every morning and then read a book of my choice for 30 minutes before I go to sleep every night. So, far I have been spending 40 minutes every day reading and it really has brought me happiness and peace. My devotionals seem to speak to me about the problems I feel I’m facing everyday and they have shown me how to handle the frustrations that come up. It has really surprised me how uplifting this small change in my life has become. I feel much more confident and relaxed. And even more important, I feel good that I’m finally focusing some of my time and energy on something productive for me.
Sometimes it’s the little things that can make a big difference. I know this is not a huge commitment and it doesn’t cost me anything, which makes it even more personal. It’s 40 minutes that I spend everyday just for me. 10 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening. At this point I feel that I can continue this all year and I hope that at the end of 2022, I will not be disappointed. I think I will be more insightful and ready for 2023.
I challenge you to do something for yourself this year, whether it is a big change or a small moment. Make the commitment to improve and grow physically, spiritually, or emotionally. I’m really looking forward to this year and now I have a chance to focus on myself, even if it’s just for a short period of time. It’s enough time to improve me.
Have a wonderful 2022 and find your passion.
