Short Story: The Truth About Values and New Beginnings
Well, it’s just a few weeks after the new year and the hype to make lofty goals and irrelevant aspirations is starting to fade away…. enough to no longer dilute my mind with thoughts of trying to do more or be someone I’m not.
But while still feeling a little into the new year energy, I decided to take a look and revisit my values and priorities…. and the habits were no longer serving me, and the people and places that lost their luster.
Now I want to start by saying this isn’t something I do just once a year… rather, I find myself doing more like am monthly and quarterly check in with myself to make sure I’m living the life I want to experience.
Regardless, the new year does add a dose of pizzazz to the mix so why not use it to fuel my imagination even more.
Since starting on this “self journey” years ago, I can attest to one thing, that values and priorities change. I’m sure you can relate that when you were a young adult just entering the real world you may have prioritized your social network, or your first job, or first love and real relationship….. maybe, your hobbies were sports and entertainment, drinking and partying, or going out with friends. But, then when time has passed, you notice those things are no longer fun and exciting to you. You may find that your interests have shifted and filtered into something more meaningful or specific.
And so I think it’s safe to say that we all go through these changes with our priorities at different points in our life.
With the changes in priorities come changes in our values. And, sometimes we have to make hard decisions to ensure that we are being true to ourselves and let go of the things, people, and places that don’t have room in our life anymore.
Talk about harsh. I know. But, that’s what it comes down to, making the choice to change and letting go of old habits, attachments, and identities.
For me, its been interesting to observe myself move through this process over the years. Starting after college, I found myself interested more in exploring and going out in the world for experience. Soon after I met a guy and started a serious relationship. But when I tried to prioritize the relationship, I slowly felt my spirit dwindling. I felt I was abandoning myself and my dreams. So after much remorse, I broke it off and told myself I’ll never abandon myself.
And so, I moved as far as I could from the relationship, my job, family and the people I knew. I moved from the East Coast to Hawaii because I wanted as much physical space as possible to start over, to have new experiences, and to really get clear on my values/priorities.
It’s been a little over 3 years since I’ve lived out here in Hawaii, and as much as I hate to admit it, I miss my family. I miss my friends. I miss the familiarity and opportunities to see my people.
Don’t get me wrong, I have made such amazing friendships and connections here, and certainly have learned so much about myself and life, but I know the chapter is coming to a close. I know that my values are shifting, that my interests are changing. And that it’s time to start the process of letting go.
So, I’m anticipating another successful and transformative year in 2023….. with new beginnings and adventures to come.
I hope to share some inspiration with you along the way as I lean into my self care practices and health values to carry me through.
I’ll leave you with this closing questions to reflect on in your own time:
What am I ready to let go of?
What am I being drawn too?
How can I enrich and enhance my life experience?
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