Visualization continued

So, as we move through the holiday season, our visions are probably somewhat nostalgic and wistful. We may be remembering times when we spent holidays with loved ones, we may be grieving the loss of a loved one; there are many significant differences this year versus years past. Sometimes we get stuck in the past or even stuck in the future and forget to live in the present. So, do we have a conflict here between being mindful and visualization practices? Well, we could have a conflict, but the secret is to set your goals based on visions and then work in the present to make the goals a reality.

Now, as discussed in the third week video, there are many areas of our lives where visualization benefits our well being. How easy or how difficult our current life situation is depends on what we are struggling through right now. One way to reduce the stress of our current state of affairs is to envision a bright future, seeing ourselves after we have come through this dark period and seeing ourselves as stronger, healthier, and ready to tackle life again. Yes, I know; easier said than done when you are hungry, out of work and possibly on the verge of losing a home. Please, know that this is temporary and that a good change is coming.

The key right now is to just take a few deep breaths. Breathe in to the count of 10, hold for five seconds, and then slowly release the breath while focusing on releasing tension as well. Have some soothing music playing in the background if possible. Maybe, if you are blessed with some essential oils, add an aromatherapy component to the blend as well. Now, as you are breathing, releasing tension and trying to visualize, imagine the highest priority goal you need to meet in the near future (this being within the next week, next month, or maybe even the next three months).

Are you going to be searching for a new job? Have you sat down and reviewed your resume? Do you have transferable skills? Do you know what transferable skills are? Are you in dire need of weight loss or restarting your workout program? What is your diet like? Many outside influences affect what your immediate needs are in this moment; but, when you prioritize the needs, write out a plan for meeting those needs, and then start diligently working to make those needs come to fruition, then you are bringing positive energy towards you.

Sometimes, perspective change is necessary to become more proactive on your needs and what actions are needed to get moving. If I am fortunate enough to have good health, I have some source of food, and I have a source of income, then my perspective may need to be viewed as being truly blessed. If I am a single mother, with children, and I am struggling to keep a roof over our heads, food in our mouth, and heat, then I may feel angry, betrayed, or anxious. The worse case scenario if I am struggling is that my health declines, I contract COVID-19, or my life ends due to a sudden medical emergency. Much different perspectives, but again, examine where you are, assess if it can or will get worse, and then make a plan to get through it.

In the movie, “The Pursuit of Happyness,” to me that was the worst case scenario any human being could face, and yet, with grit and determination, the happy ending did prevail. Yes, more often than not, the happy ending just doesn’t seem to come through, but could it be our perception of the ending that determines happy versus sad? I can relate to this situation because, while I was blessed with work and a home and food while my children were growing up, I did face a period of time where I had to live in hotels if I made enough money between the five part-time jobs I was working. If I did not make enough money that day, then my choice was sleeping in my car.

I do get it. I am blessed, I am fortunate, and because of my inner strength, my grit, and my determination, I made it. I still struggle to catch up financially, but I’m alive, I have a new home, a new love, and I’m now self-employed. Do I have new visions? YES!!!! Am I working hard to achieve those visions? YES!!!! Am I willing to help others through the struggle? ABSOLUTELY!!! So, as I share this very personal message with you, I want you to continue to believe that this will pass, you will survive, you will catch up, and you will come out better than before. NEVER GIVE UP!!!! Stay healthy, stay focused, and stay hydrated!!!!