As the year 2017 continues winding down, it’s natural that you review how you year went. When it comes time for me considering the year I consider what lessons I learned.
There are lessons in each of the ups and downs that a year brings. I try seeing what I learned from each of them.
When I learn from those episodes, they weren’t wasted experiences. The challenge I encounter is keeping a good attitude when the unpleasant things happen.
It’s also challenging keeping an humble attitude when good things happen.
It’s counter-intuitive having a good attitude or thankfulness when facing unpleasant challenges.
Some of those challenges I handled well, while others “ate my lunch”. 2017 was emotionally tougher than most years. It seems that every year throws me more hard balls than the previous ones.
The year also gave me some really good times as well.
It takes a conscious choice making effort in finding something to be thankful for with some of the challenges. At times I am just thankful that the challenges weren’t worse.
Finding something to be thankful for with challenges is not just feel good head games. Finding those things is a way of reducing bitterness and keeping resentments from growing.
Each challenge has potential resentments that can eat up your heart and peace of mind. So finding something to be thankful for is a tool for protecting my physical and mental health.
I see the exercise as a way of detoxifying the years events, both good and bad.
Although with the affair, it’s tempting to give into the resentment, the price tag is more than you can afford. Once you fall into the pit of resentment, its hard getting out.
Starting a new year burdened with resentments from the previous one is not a good start. Use the coming days as a time for cleaning the slate and ‘letting go’.
A good way of letting go is through forgiveness. In the video “Forgiveness: Stop the Pain, Tear down the walls and Remove the Roadblocks” guides you in letting go of those hurts that can hinder you going into the new year.
Best Regards,
Jeff
