It’s time to formulate a vision for this new life chapter, a personal mission statement for the next stage. Here are the goals I intend to pursue:
To cultivate acceptance, wisdom and compassion for myself and others. I want to embrace mindfulness. This is no time of life to hurry anymore, or push others. I will leave the “New York Minute” behind, slow down to take in the here and now. Turn annoying waiting situations into fresh opportunities to be aware of what my senses perceive. Get back into a regular meditation practice.
To savor the beauty of our new environment. I will make our new home lovely and comfortable. I’ll take time to look out the windows, admire the view of water and trees. I will take full advantage of the abundant resources of our new community. Spend more time outdoors and soak up the natural splendor of the low country landscape.
To invest in relationships. I pledge to be kind, curious and outgoing in pursuit of new friendships. I will be playful, loving and open to new pursuits and adventures with my husband (kayaking, anyone?). I’ll graciously welcome family and visitors into our new home.
To care for my health and wellbeing. I will try to accept aging, while doing what I can to maintain vigor and vitality. I will add new physical activities into my routine – learn Pickleball (it’s real, Google it!) and get a bike. I will wear only comfortable clothes. If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t leave New Jersey. I’ll find new health care providers (the best Medicare can buy) and a new hairdresser.
To thrive as a writer. I will take advantage of more leisure to enhance my creative output. Polish and revise my novel-in-progress, Tell on You, and begin to conceive the next one after that. I’ll seek out other local writers to network and critique with and share Shrink Rapt with new audiences. Heads up, libraries and bookstores down there. I’m coming.
See Also: Blog Series: New Beginnings (Part 1)