Two Decisions That Can Make Next Year the Best Year of Your Life
Two Decisions That Can Make Next Year the Best Year of Your Life
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| Best Year of Your Life |
Introduction:
Imagine if just two decisions could ensure that the upcoming year turns out to be extraordinary. Surprisingly, these decisions, though simple in concept, are challenging to execute. They don't involve external actions, such as physical exercise (which is generally beneficial!) but rather focus on one's mindset and internal disposition. These decisions revolve around attitude and purpose.
Article Body:
What if only two decisions could guarantee that the next year would be exceptional? Surprisingly, these decisions, while simple in concept, are challenging to execute. They aren't about external actions like physical exercise (which is always a good thing to do!) but rather concern your mindset and intentions.
Gratitude:
You've likely heard of the "attitude of gratitude." Studies consistently show that the happiest and most successful individuals consistently lead lives filled with gratitude, seeing their cups as half full rather than half empty. Let's consider an example.
Alan and Martin are both firefighters, both married with children, yet their lives differ significantly. Alan seems to consistently experience joy and achievement, while Martin's life often appears in turmoil. What's the difference?
Alan is an incredibly enthusiastic person who habitually sees the positive aspects of everything and is continually grateful for what he has. He appreciates his work, his health, his family, and his friends. When challenges arise, he faces them head-on with gratitude for the opportunity to learn and assist others. He believes he is spiritually guided and sees requests as chances for growth and service. Due to his openness and care, people trust him and offer investment opportunities that generate passive income for his loved ones. He continues to work because he enjoys it, not solely for financial reasons.
Martin, on the other hand, is someone who frequently complains about everything. Nothing seems satisfactory to him. He blames others for his circumstances, feels victimized by his emotions, and lacks belief in being spiritually guided. Due to the stress he creates for himself through negative thinking, he is frequently unwell and experiences numerous family issues. He trudges through his work, resentful of even having to work, often feeling like life is passing him by.
Purpose to Learn:
- We are given the absolute freedom to choose our intentions, and what matters to us at any given moment. In our relationships with ourselves and others, we have only two intentions to choose from:
- The intention to learn, aligned with our spiritual direction, about what is most loving to ourselves and others.
- The intention is to protect against the pain of rejection, abandonment, engulfment, or failure through some form of controlling behavior.
- Our intention to learn or protect determines our experience at any given moment.
- Hilary and Alice are both married with children and work as nurses. But, just like Alan and Martin, their lives significantly differ.
Hilary faces life's challenges with the understanding that she is on a spiritual journey—an exploration to become the most loving person she can be, both internally and externally. She takes responsibility for her emotions and behavior, willing to learn with others when conflicts arise. Rather than avoiding conflict, she welcomes it as an opportunity for self-discovery and to overcome barriers hindering her from being a pure instrument of God's work on Earth. Hilary experiences a sense of peace and joy in her life.
Alice, however, is caught in the habitual cycle of control. Instead of learning from conflicts, she avoids them by either surrendering herself or exerting control to manipulate outcomes. She often numbs her emotions with food and wine, taking control of her deity. Alice frequently feels anxious and depressed due to her intention to protect herself, resorting to medication to manage the resulting anxiety and depression.
Alan and Hilary experience much more peace and happiness than Alice and Martin despite facing similar life circumstances. Choosing gratitude and the intention to learn, rather than complaining and the intention to protect makes a significant difference.
Make the upcoming year the greatest of your life by committing to these two decisions—gratitude and the intention to learn.
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