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Last week, we explored the concept of developing vision, of painting a mental and emotional picture of the lives we want to live. When we envision the ideal, we describe the experience we aspire to. In most cases, there is some degree of contrast between that vision and our current daily lives.
Let's take a look at that contrast now. How big is the gap?
What is the condition of our bodies? Do we have the energy and fitness to engage in activities we enjoy? Do we wake up in the morning rested and ready to meet the day? Is our eating pattern health-promoting and does it help us to maintain an appropriate weight?
How about our minds? Do we make an effort to focus on the positive, recognizing the destructive power of dwelling on failures and problems? Do we challenge ourselves with learning as a form of mental exercise that builds fitness for our chosen work?
Emotional health is closely linked with body and mind. Do we welcome the next hour, every day because we are grateful for the gift of time? Do we invest in relationships with family, friends, and strangers because we recognize the importance of belonging a supportive network of giving and receiving?
Our spiritual lives take many forms. Some of us are called to formal worship and communities of faith; others find inspiration in solitude, in a variety of personal practices, in experiencing nature and serving others. The spiritual dimension adds meaning and direction to our days.
Facing up to gaps between where we are and where we want to be is a needed step toward realizing our potential. Sometimes we stop with the thinking step. Somehow we believe that developing a vision amounts to achieving it. Vision is necessary, but not sufficient for growth and change. We need to be honest with ourselves, looking hard at the long, sometimes steep, and often rocky journey ahead.
Take the time to develop your vision of an optimal day, week, month, or year. Then look for the ways in which your current choices take you toward or away from your ideal. If you find structured assessments helpful, scroll down for links to some options that are free of charge.
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