Stephanie Martin-Smith
Soul Purpose
When the New Year rings in I usually hear a little voice in my head saying either “Good riddance to that year” or “Gee, I’m sad that year is over.”
But this year, that voice wondered if 2008 was over already?
Time keeps speeding along seemingly faster than ever. However, I do think that January has something to offer other than frigid temperatures and blinding snow storms … an opportunity to reflect.
It seems to me that we often get stuck in a box that has walls and a ceiling. We never really question limitations that we may have consciously or unconsciously placed on ourselves.
Sometimes our limitations are real and sometimes they are not. Sometimes they are simply placed in our mind by ourselves (or someone else that we chose to assist by keeping them) and have never challenged them.
When I see people born without legs who are avid downhill skiers it makes me realize that I have bought into the idea of limitations. My quickest way to rise to a challenge is when someone explains to me that I could “Never do that.”
This year I’ve decided rather than set a resolution, I will try a reflection and restructuring of my thoughts. Stepping it up in life and business, finding new interests, challenging myself in new and innovative ways.
I think for most of us it may not be climbing Mount Everest but can be as simple as trying a dance class, a cooking class, going back to school, taking a holiday or maybe just entertaining the idea something new or outside of our comfort zone.
Someone said to me recently, “Remember as a child when everything was new and exciting, when
supper time was a treat, your freshly washed sheets smelled so great, people and places were so interesting, everything was an adventure and everything seemed magical?”
And then there comes a time when life becomes predictable, routine, a chore, dinner is the same old same old, and we stop questioning the world.
I often wonder where did all the hippies go? I see a few here and there but someone told me that they grew up. I think that’s a shame. They created such a stir that who would imagine they could fall into complacency and yet it happens …
So now the question is, does it have to? It seems to me that for a time we are consumed by our young children and the only planet we are saving is the one in our house – maybe this is when we forget? – and then the kids hit high school and, in my opinion, you better find a hobby, rediscover yourself because not only is a large part of your job becoming obsolete, they really need you to get a life!
It makes us more interesting to our kids, our friends, family and most importantly to ourselves.
So maybe 2009 will be about new questions, expanding our horizons in new and innovative ways finding success in all areas of our life. It doesn’t all begin and end on New Years eve, the whole year is an opportunity for new beginnings.
Post Script: Jim Carrey’s new movie Yes Man is a comical look at learning to step out of the box.
