I sat down on January 1st and wrote out a LONG list of resolutions for 2016.
I remember my ambition back when I wrote a similar long list of intentions for 2015. In reality, not much of it actually materialized.
As is usually the case, I think that I can do more than what is possible. There are only so many hours in the day, only so much energy I can extend and well…. I get distracted easily, LOL.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I am all about writing out your goals. This is a great way to make sure you’re connected to what you want and moving in the right direction.
But as a recovering Type A personality, the long lists I create can stress me out, and in a way, it sets me up for failure… or severe fatigue.
For years I believed that I could do more. More than I should. This mindset burnt me out. I continue to recover from that burnout and much of that recovery comes from my choices on where to spend my energy.
So, with the start of 2016, I’ve decided to shift focus and try this resolution gig again.
How do you want to FEEL in 2016?
When I went through my studies at IIN, I listened to a presentation from Danielle LaPorte that stuck with me. She talked about how to draw out your personal Desire Map.
The points on your Desire Map draw from one primary question: How do you want to FEEL?
When we focus on answering this question, then we can carefully cultivate what we do with our time. We stop chasing goals and instead go after feelings.
When we direct ourselves towards how we want to FEEL, then it becomes easier to find FOCUS.
I don’t want to have to abide to a long list of resolutions, that there’s not nearly enough time for. This will make me feel bad and that’s not a feeling I want to cultivate in 2016.
So, I went back to this question today as I looked over that long list of resolutions.
How do I want to FEEL? What actions can I take to lead me there?
#1. FREEDOM
If I had to pick one word for 2016 it’s this: FREEDOM.
This word has been a whisper in my ear for months now. It has been guiding me forward and, I believe, will play a key role in 2016.
This word FREEDOM holds a lot of weight on different planes.
It begins with my physical environment and my innate craving for nature. I have a clear image of a space in the Rocky Mountains that my husband and I can call our own.
A place to go and experience a taste of freedom from the hustle and bustle of the city. A place that stimulates creative flow, disconnection from the noise, and a greater connection to a spiritual force.
I’m not sure how this is to be a reality at the moment, but I believe it will somehow manifest soon 🙂
FREEDOM also plays a role in my mental space.
The thoughts in my head. What I tell myself and what I tolerate from outside forces.
I recognize that in alignment with freedom, I need to express myself. This has been a struggle in my life. I am very much an introvert: the quiet, nice girl. I brush off a lot of things, in avoidance of conflict.
But when I do not express how I feel, then these feelings re-circulate back inside, they burrow, like a seedling of trapped, aggravated energy.
Trapped energy is the opposite force on the path to FREEDOM.
My financial situation also plays into these feelings of FREEDOM and is on my radar for the year, along with innate issues that arise with money.
#3 CREATIVE
This desire to feel CREATIVE continues to draw me forward and connects the future of this online space and the Peace With Endo community.
I have outlined a new book based around a vital question: What Am I Worth?
This question has swirled in my mind of late, as I’ve gone through some personal discoveries, prompted by the darkness and concerns about using my voice and expressing my feelings.
I think this question very much comes into play when living with endometriosis, so I’m super excited to share this with you 🙂
In addition to creative expression through the written word, I know that my intuitive, inner creative voice seeks attention too.
It’s time to speak out into the world. Literally 🙂
To start, I collected the five conscious breathing exercises I created last month and put them into an album called Guided Breather. It’s available for download here.
Yay! I hope that it helps you 🙂
Moving forward, I hope to share a different side of my voice, in song. I spent the better part of my younger self in performance choir and I do love to sing 🙂
I have other brewing ideas about sharing the healing power of CREATIVITY with you… but I won’t get ahead of myself just yet.
#3 INSPIRED
When it comes to this desire to feel inspired, I recognize that much of this comes from the company I keep. I want to be around believers, doers, encouragers.
Not the opposite. I don’t want to be pulled down.
In taking a look around the world today, it’s easy to fall into the opinion that things are really bad… right? This is what the media feeds on. Drama. Fear. Violence. Hate.
But we do have some control over what we see and who we associate with.
I went through a major de-cluttering initiative last month, and this has carried forward not only into my closets, but into my email inbox and my social media news feeds. I don’t need to see all the bad that’s going on in the world.
I want to surround myself with others who are striving to find their best life while finding peace and awareness during these dark times. All it takes is a little shifting towards the light.
Inspire me!
#4 ENERGIZED
The final word on my Desire Map is energized. The energy depletion issue is very much on my radar, since its sucking out my motivation most days.
I recognize changes that need to happen in my life in order for me to truly feel energized again. I do believe that movement in line with the other feelings above will help with this.
In a physical sense, I plan on shifting attention to the health of my thyroid and continued care for my tired adrenals.
On the Positive Side?
I believe that by focusing on these four feelings this year and beyond, that my to-do lists will guide themselves.
And by following how I want to FEEL, I will set the stage for a truly fulfilling, joyful life.
I encourage you to take some time and figure out your own words. How do you want to FEEL? See if you can gather four words.
I’d love to hear what you come up with. Please share in the comments below.
With LOVE,
AUBREE.
