New Year, New You?

It seems like every January we are bombarded by the challenge to be a better, healthier, wealthier, and more improved person . We can start over on January 1st. and suddenly realize our dream, meet goals, and uncover passions.

I have to be honest: I find that January 1st puts too much pressure on me. 

I do however love the idea of being a part of a living faith- one that encourages me to continuously search for truth and meaning , knowing that it can evolve over the course of one's lifetime, or maybe with the ringing in of each New Year.  What do I stand for?  What am I here for? How can I be my best self?

So, when the media lights up with self help ideas in January, I try to let that be a reminder to me that I never have to be the same person every single year.  It reminds me to take another look at things that have brought joy into my life,  think about why that happens, and how I can experience more of the same with varying experiences.

I sat with a group of Coming of Age teens on January 4th to talk about the word purpose.  That is a difficult and loaded word for many, and it was truly something that drew blank stares from many of the bright young people in this class.  How exactly are you supposed to define your purpose?  Are you born with that knowledge?  What if you maybe can imagine a few different things that might fit...how can you know which is "the one."?  What if you can't think of anything at all that seems meaningful to you?  Does that mean you're in trouble?

Well, we tried to answer some of these questions with a little help from our "friends".  The class collected quotes about purpose, or meaning of life, that spoke personally to them.  Let me share with you what each teen present (it was a snow day L) picked for their quote.  I hope it inspires you to think about your living faith, your purpose, what you would like to stand for in 2015.  It certainly did so for me.

Maya Bastian: "If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion.  For your passion will lead you right into your purpose." - T.D. Jakes

Cat Burns: "Never give up on the things you can't live without"- Unknown

Noah Dorsett:  Some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen. Other's make it happen"- Michael Jordan

"When we do something we love, the universe smiles through us." -Ted Tollefson

 and

"The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." - Mark Twain