6th Day of Christmas

This is the sixth day of Christmas and the fifth day of Kwanzaa. I will continue my 12 Days of Christmas mini-retreat, focusing on my priorities and what I'm called to do (or not do) next in my life. 

Agenda today:
1. Kwanzaa principles

2. Journal queries

3. Purpose, depth, and career goals for 2021

4. Practice purpose with New Year's resolutions

1. Kwanzaa principles:

The fifth day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to the principle of nia (NEE-ah), which is purpose. Purpose allows me to dream of the best future, to look within and set personal goals that are beneficial to me, my family, and my community.

2. Journal queries:

Two days left of 2020; it's time to see it out, and welcome in the New Year! This is an introspective time- standing at the door of the year, looking backward and forward. It's my habit to reflect on the past and also to ponder the year ahead- consider my true purpose, envision hopes for myself, and resolve to improve my way of life.

Today I will write about my life purpose, my career, and my intentions for the year ahead-

What are my most important reasons for living? What would my best life look like?

 

What are my priorities? What actions give me the feeling of a meaningful life, and best support my beliefs and values?

 

Describe my life path now - Is it clear or foggy? What are my next steps in life? Do I have a well-defined mission?

 

What dreams do I have for the New Year? What might I do in the New Year to better express myself? How do I want to grow? 

 

Imagine accomplishing my goals; how do they benefit my family and community?

 

As I move towards retirement, what work do I cling to, and why? Is this the work I'm called to do? How do I discern the next chapter in my life?

 

3. Purpose, depth, and career goals for 2021:

I'm finishing up the work of setting goals and resolutions for the New Year, focusing on my priorities, which are Love, Home, Health, Service, Learning, Creativity, and Life Purpose.

My theme for today is my life purpose and career - following the true course of my life, like a river flowing through a deep ravine. Staying on my path requires courage, honesty, and persistence. The path is always mysterious, and leads to unexpected challenges and changes. I’m directed back at every turn into the deep waters within myself, to discern the best route. Like water, I am persistent and sincere, and I keep flowing. 

Goals for this area might be to find my true purpose in life, gain greater courage or persistence, make a change in my job or career, or discern my “natural” course.

My ideas for purpose and career goals so far:

• Rewrite my mission for 2021 with the theme "Discovery and Wonder".
• Explore nature in my paintings with abstract landscape, still life, and mixed-media.
• Redefine a process for painting that helps me finish what I start.
• Write a painting blog for my students, to motivate them and gather information.
• Find a way to work with children again when it's safe.
• Write more articles for publishing. 

4. Practice purpose with New Year's resolutions:

Make important New Year’s resolutions that speak to my purpose. Tips: 

• Start early: If I wait until the last minute, my resolutions will be based only on my mind-set that particular day. 
• Be realistic. Set small, clearly defined goals that will be possible to accomplish. Also, limit the number to two or three at the most.
• Make a plan: Consider how I will stick to it. Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of my personality.
• Talk about it: Don't keep my resolutions a secret. Tell at least a couple people what I am planning, and ask if they will check up on my progress.
• Write about my motivations: A few weeks in to the New Year it will be very helpful to read and remember why I thought these resolutions were such a good idea.