Reading Your Own Story
December 20, 2023
Your Story of Possibility
January 10, 2024
What is your current status? As you begin a new year, it is helpful to take stock of where you are before you plan where you want to go. In my last blog I suggested you read through your personal calendar from last year to look at your story. Here I have ideas on how to look at your life at this moment in time. What are your strengths, your assets, your needs, and your options? Grounding yourself in your personal present vs how the world is doing puts you in the center of your circle of control.
Take this example from Middle Earth: The world is filled with dark forces, and wizards are off doing what they do. Bilbo is alone on the side of a mountain with no supplies, no buttons on his coat, and that ring. He can’t focus on the big picture. He needs to focus on his own needs: shelter, food, don’t get eaten by Goblins, find friends. His assets at the time are the stupid ring, his sword, and friends nearby. His strengths include a creative mind, basic good health, and stubbornness. His commitment is to fulfill a promise.
When asked how they are, many people answer by referring to the state of the world. There is a lot going on around our globe. I suggest that you focus very specifically on you. You are the hero of your story. Three categories to consider when looking at your life: basic needs, interests, and time.
Your Basic Needs
Are you Bilbo in the mountains with only the clothes on your back (plus that ring), or are you settled in your hobbit hole? Basic needs include healthy food, safe space, feeling okay, and connections to others who care. Take some time to consider how you are right now. Take stock of what you have that supports your basic needs: finances, housing, positive relationships, physical and mental wellness. Where do you have needs that aren’t met? You have the right, and the responsibility, to take care of yourself.
Beyond the Basics - Your Interests
What has you feeling curious or restless? Once safely back home, and after weeks of second breakfasts, Bilbo became restless. The basics weren’t enough. What about you? Your review of last year gave you a chance to consider where you felt gratitude or joy. You can also consider the things around you. Look for clues in your home: the maps, books, art supplies, or sports equipment you have. Look at your email, snail mail, or social media feed. Who do you talk to that you find interesting? Consider the connections you have through work, family, friends, and community. Take stock of all your options. You have the right to create a life of joy and meaning for yourself.
Your Time and Commitments
Look at your calendar for this week, this month. What does your schedule look like? Who are you connected to and what are your commitments? Once back in the Shire Bilbo was very busy with this and that with occasional trips. On his 111th birthday he decided it was time for a big change. Unlike Bilbo, you have a finite amount of time and there are limits on your energy and focus. Notice how you are spending this day and what you have scheduled for the coming week. Consider how your time commitments support your basic needs, and what things bring you joy and meaning.
Assessing your current situation allows you to feel gratitude for what is going well and clarity for what you might want to change or maintain. Your past provides you with information, your present provides you with options. No one’s life is perfect, and unexpected events pop up. Hopefully, you don’t have wizards that drag you into confrontations with dragons. By taking some time to review what you have and what you need, you can embark on journeys that promise fulfillment and reward.
Peace,
Laura A. Gaines
To learn more, explore learnmodelteach.com for tools, videos, and coaching opportunities.
