This time of year we are all focusing on new beginnings. Goals are set, resolutions made and thoughts of “this year I’m going to …” are heard around the land.
Here is a thought, what if our goals went from how much weight we’ll lose or how much money we’ll make this year to how much happiness we will allow and how much love can we give and receive. What if those were our measures of success instead of titles or status or stuff? Don’t get me wrong; I like titles and status and stuff, but this year, I’m going to focus on happiness and joy and love first and see where it leads me.
I watched a wonderful Ridley Scott movie recently “A Good Year” with Russell Crowe as the main character Max Skinner. Max inherits his uncle’s vineyard estate in Provence, France where he spent “the happiest moments of my childhood”. However, Max was so focused on his work as a high stakes financial trader that he thought he had no use or time for an aging vineyard that held cherished childhood memories. Then he takes a closer look at the beauty of the place, and falls in love again.
Those of us lucky enough to have worked in hospice and end of life care see this scenario played out day in and day out; people who have focused on making a living sometimes miss out on having made a life, until it is too late.
What will make you happy today?
