Over the last few days I’ve been ruminating on the subject of this last blog for 2022. I really wanted to make it meaningful. So many ideas entered my mind. Ah, the scattered and often tortured brain of a writer!
My first idea was to pay homage to the 40 people (school principals, youth and bankers) who had bravely shared their purpose and personal story at my Talk on Purpose courses over the last few weeks. Your stories were vulnerable, authentic and powerfully moving. They affirmed my own purpose – why I do what I do. And what a perfect end to this weird and stormy old year! Thank you.
My second idea, was to write about the Gen Z Wellbeing Research by Year13 just released yesterday. The state of wellness and wellbeing of young people in our country is heart-breaking. 70% stated their mental health was only ok, poor or very poor, while only 37% feel they have a purpose in life. The connection between purpose and and positive wellbeing is proven. It’s my mission to teach the power of purpose to young people throughout schools in Australia in 2022. Reach out if you’d like to know more.
My third idea was to share a list of questions you might reflect on about the year that’s almost gone and your hopes for 2022…What was most difficult about this year and what did you learn about yourself? What did you achieve that was meaningful and that fulfilled your purpose? How were you of service to others? What are you leaving behind from 2021? What are you taking into 2022? What are your hopes and dreams for the year? And so on.
And idea number four? Your word for the year. Last week at a gathering with my writers group, we each discussed our word for 2022. In 2021, my word was ‘joy’. While the other three women seemed quite certain of their words for next year, I’m still ruminating. I’m not ready to let ‘joy’ go. Perhaps I’ll keep it again after the year we’ve had? Your one word is one you want to live by. It’s something you want more of in your daily life. And it’s an anchor to return to when you’re met with challenges. It might even define your life. Choose wisely.
And now to my fifth and final idea. It came to me as I was meditating this morning. Three simple words popped into my head. From whence they came was a mystery. Sneakily they found their way down to my heart and stayed there throughout the meditation. I knew then that they were the most important words I would share to end this year.
“Just be kind.”
After the year we’ve had – just be kind. To yourself. To your loved ones. To your neighbours. To strangers. To everyone you meet. Just be kind.
Till next year!
With love and purpose
