By Joeel A. Rivera
Welcome to 2013… Can we all let out a sigh of relief? Relief because the belief that the world was going to end in December 2012 has finally been released, and we can start looking at this new age for what it is. It is a new chapter and a new beginning. However, this beginning is not really new, it’s just gaining more traction. Conscious minds have been coming together for years now, and as the momentum grows we continue to impact the whole as well as other individuals looking for their inner truth.
The new age and the New Year are opportunities to redefine your relationship with you.
These are opportunities to redefine our path and our journey. As a result, we will find that outside of all the shrouds lies an inner voice that is calling us to be both student and teacher. When I speak of the inner teacher, I speak of your ability to take what you learn along your journey, from the simplest things to the most complex, and pass that knowledge forward. Remember, we all have a niche—something that calls us and that we have dedicated substantial time to understanding. We often make the mistake of thinking that what comes naturally to us will be the same things that others want to do or are able to do easily. However, it is your knowledge, no matter how tiny or insignificant you may see it, that others seek. Now I want to take a moment to speak to your higher self, so I will write in “I statements” so that you can hear yourself and affirm this. Repeat this as many times as it takes to make these commands resonate from within.
In this new age, I embrace the powerful manifestor and creator that I am. I say “yes” to living. I say “yes” to being in a state of gratitude and a state where I am open to following my divine path. I understand that every experience is an adventure, a reflection of me, and that at any point I can choose a different path with my thoughts and actions. I am in control and understand that as a student there are lessons to learn, and those lessons come in many different forms. They may at first seem to come hidden in negativity, but it is my perception of the experience that ultimately will define its value as negative or positive.
I have come to realize at the essence of my being that every experience will help me to become more connected with my higher self. I also realize that I do not need to create negative experiences to experience rapid growth and transformation. I can equally learn and grow from positive experiences. I can also feel abundant when there is lack. I can feel love, compassion and acceptance for those who choose to live experiences that do not serve their highest good and still set healthy boundaries. I choose relationships that motive and inspire me to remember who I truly am. I can pamper and nurture my being without a sense of guilt. I choose to share this journey and be an example to others that I can live in joy, experience inner peace, and follow my passion. I am destined for greatness and see the greatness in all those around me. I release any feelings of fear of failure or success. I embrace this new ME and the fact that I am worthy of an amazing life. I will no longer fight the current; I will live in flow and embrace the Now. I deserve it, so I am completely open to receiving. I am perfect representation of love and inspiration.
So where do you start on this new journey? It all depends on you, but there are some things that will help to jumpstart your efforts. Below are a few ideas. None of them are ground breaking or new thoughts but, at the same time, truth is truth. It’s just of matter of making a commitment to living it.
1. Create a bucket list:
This list will help you determine what kind of things you want to experience in your life. It is easy to let life pass you buy and miss out on those experiences because you never set a specific intention for them. Therefore, write as many things on that list that you can imagine, from big to small. Choose several of them that you are committing to experiencing this year.
2. Develop a vision of what you see in your life by the end of the year:
Write this down as if you’re composing a letter to yourself a year from now and you are reflecting on all the amazing aspects of your year. This will help set an intention that your mind will seek. Seal the envelop, and place it somewhere safe so you can read it in a year.
3. Create structure to your intention:
Commit to weekly goals and write them on a dry board in your house or a notebook that you carry around. As a result, you will have concrete steps to follow.
4. Share:
Tell others about your intention with confidence, and find an intention buddy. Having an intention buddy is like having a workout buddy; when you have each other to bounce ideas around, you will generate motivation. Recognize that anything in life takes collaboration.
5. Emerge yourself:
Surround yourself with like-minded people by finding groups or going to workshops that share your vision. Listen to audio and read books that will, with time, help this new intention become part of your core.
6. Create joy and connect to nature:
The best way to create is to be in the right state of mind, when your vibration is in joy. In fact, when you are in a state of joy your ability to process information, think critically, and become creative doubles. Watch funny videos or whatever you have to do to create a space of joy.
7. Give back:
Life and intentions are about the flow of energy. When you give back, whether through sharing information, volunteering, or making a financial contribution, you add and create flow.
8. Support and invest:
Give back to those spiritual teachers or any other teachers who help you grow and develop. When you do this, you allow them to continue to help others and allow yourself to continue to grow and transform.
9. Focus on at least one area:
Choose an area of life to focus on and dedicate time to nurturing it. This can be social, spiritual, physical, emotional, financial or intellectual. Know that once you focus on one area of your life all the other aspects of your being will be affected as well.
10. Everything starts with gratitude:
Create a gratitude journal and write down 10 things everyday that you are grateful for. You can’t build more in your life if you are not grateful for what you currently have.
Joeel A. Rivera, M.Ed., Ph.D. (ABD) holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and is currently completing his dissertation for his Ph.D. in Psychology. Joeel’s extensive career as a relationship coach includes certifications in P.R.E.P, a 30-year research-based program for couples, Nurturing Father’s curriculum, and Parenting 21st Century. Joeel is now taking a select number of Life, Relationship, and Entrepreneurship Coaching clients. Contact Joeel at joeel@transformationservices.org