As usual over the recent years I use the end of the year to think about the past one and to set my intention for the new one. Long time ago I rid myself of new years resolutions as I barely stuck to them but rather added additional pressure to myself. Instead I reflect on what I learned the year before and what I want my intention to be in the new one.
2016 was was our first full year in Tokyo, Japan (we arrived late September 2015). And it was a roller coaster year at times. We were busy with getting our apartment settled until end of 2015, so 2016 started full speed ahead as it often is when you move – getting caught up in the “I want it all”. The sightseeing, the discovering, the getting settled, language, meeting people, yet still doing all the things on the have-to and must-do lists, household and family time. It often works for a while until it all comes crumbling down and it just gets too much.
I reached this point closer to summer. I felt drained and unsatisfied. This was a mix of happenings I brought on to myself and by the outside. I felt emotionally, mentally and physically drained, like a hamster in its wheel, running and running yet achieving nothing, respectively stressed by all the things I tried to achieve while running in my wheel!
So when we got to the summer break I took a break for myself, too. To regroup again, to figure out what was important and necessary for myself and my family.
Some of the elements that overwhelmed me where important to me, but simply overshadowed by other not so important things. And I had to decide what I can and have to let go off to stay true to myself and feel more balanced.
One element I decided to sadly let go at that stage was learning Japanese (for now). I simply never managed to focus enough on it to make it worthwhile. And while it really made me sad to give up on my lessons, it free-ed me at the same time. Once I made that decision I felt a heavy burden that I put onto myself go. I could now really focus on other important, yet neglected areas without feeling torn anymore.
Being focused means to me as well to really take time to think thoughts and ideas through, to find time to get inspired, to allow emotions and feelings.
But this is not possible by always being on the go, physically and mentally.
Stepping away from certain areas is not always easy. But by freeing ourselves, especially when we feel overwhelmed/stressed, will make us see clearer and get us more balanced and focused again!
And that is something I want to take into the New Year 2017 – to stay focused.
2016 taught me a lot personally and educationally and to take this further into the New Year I need to continue to stay focused, stay true to myself. But I need as well to keep in mind that being focused does not mean to cut myself off from all the fun, it is not a black or white situation! It is about finding a balance to focus on what and how I want to accomplish my plans yet as well about enjoying the exciting city and its lovely people!
Nobody ever said it will be easy, this staying true to yourself, not letting yourself being
sidetracked by other happenings. But I want to get stronger for myself in that
area, meaning to focus on my core values, my ideas, my believes! And combining this with our new wooden plaque for the Year of the Rooster this will mean my 2017 intention is
“to stay focused and pick the good seeds only”.
Do your have any core values that need special attention, any good seeds you want to pick? Now is a good time to write them down! The pages for the New Year are still white, they are waiting to be filled by your story – and make the story as colourful as you can!
Lots of love,
May 2017 be a healthy, joyful and balanced year!
AK