By Ricky Roberts III
As we approach the New Year, generally speaking, we tend to set our sights on things we would like to do, learn, be better at and/or do more of. Although it is important to create our visions and “to dos” for the next 12 months and to revisit them on a regular basis (not just at the turning of the year), the future should not be the only place we look. In order for anything to change in the present, or be created in the future, we must also reflect on our past.
I invite you to reflect on the year that you have lived in 2013. Think of the experiences that may have sparked feelings of sadness, hurt, anger, frustration, doubt and loneliness. Honor them. Appreciate them for who they have now made you. Ask yourself what they have to teach you, and how they can help you better understand the highest good of who you are. If there are mistakes you made, be kind to yourself. Look at them as opportunities to grow. Let them go. There is nothing you can do to change any of it now. Find peace in that knowing.
Now, on the other side of the coin, bring your awareness to the experiences that inspired feelings of happiness, love, excitement and inspiration. Honor them and seek the same understandings and awareness as do you from the experiences that you may deem as not so pleasant.
What we call “good” or “bad” experiences are simply two different sides of one thing—your life.
There will be times when you prefer things to be different and times when everything seems just right. In either event, it is always a gift to be here to experience them at all.
Everything you have experienced in the year that has now passed has made you who you are right now. Give thanks! There is nothing I can say to make any of the pain you may have endured go away. There is no promise that I can make about what the future will bring you. I can say, however, this is your life. There is only one like you in the entire world. You are unique! You are a gift! Embrace the fullness of who you are and what your life has become right now, with both the good and the not so good. Take note of the things that you can change to live a more joyful and fruitful life. Let go of the things that are distracting you from being your best. Look for ways you can be of service to others. If you have a vision, a dream in your heart, pursue it with everything you have. Live passionately.
Above all, trust that all things are working in the highest good of your life, always.
May the year to come reach you with peace in your heart, in all aspects of what it has to offer you.
Ricky Roberts III is the creator of YOU ARE VALUED, an organization devoted to creating positive change by embracing the value of every man, women, boy and girl through community outreach, involvement, discussion and inspiration. Ricky inspires through his books, articles, speaking engagements, workshops, youth outreach, volunteer work, and his interaction with others in his daily living. He is dedicated to reaching people in a positive way wherever he may be. Visit www.youarevalued.org and www.rickyrobertsiii.com