So, it’s 2020.

Maybe you have a bunch of new year resolutions, goals, visions, dreams you want to achieve. The pressure of starting at your best on the first day of the first month of the first year of the new decade (good grief!) can be overwhelming. It’s like a race to beat the clock everyday. And when you can’t beat that clock, it becomes another opportunity to be your harshest critic and judge. A lot of that pressure is artificial — created in a milieu of social and cultural norms that aren’t as interested in your self-growth as they are in your willingness to participate in activities that make you feel like your doing instead of letting you just be. But what if today, instead of trying really hard to stay on track, you let go of the trying and just be. Be in the moment. Be aware of what’s happening. And doing so at your own pace. Taking the time to feel, hear and understand how your body, mind and spirit are adjusting and adapting to the changes you are making. The date isn’t as important as the journey is towards your goal. Why? Because it is in the journey that you learn how to just be. You find out what works for you or what doesn’t; and, hopefully in the process you learn to love and appreciate yourself more. You can’t shortcut life, and you certainly don’t want to shortchange yourself. YOU are what matters most in your life.

“You can’t shortcut life, and you certainly don’t want to shortchange yourself.”

And remember, the changes, adjustments, or ideas you are instituting into your life today don’t have to be big changes. Nor do they have to be small. They just have to be yours. There is no right or wrong to it. Just keep it simple. And take it one day at a time.

We all have goals, things we want to accomplish. I am no different in that regard. However, pushing ourselves to be something based on an artificial construct leaves us disappointed and without the tools to sustain whatever it is we have achieved. You deserve more. You are worth more. So today and everyday, take your time. Be present. EnJOY your life. It’s yours.

Happy living!

J+W (@livejoywell)

It's 2020: You Can Still Get To Where You're Going At Your Own Pace