What Matters Most
At this time of year, as autumn turns into winter, I try to create a little space and time for myself to slow down, reflect on the year, plan for the next one and think about what matters most in life.
It’s been a tradition for years and I love the opportunity to wrap up in a blanket and get cozy on the couch, think about the past and ponder the future. With the cooler temperatures and the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time to grab a steaming mug of your favourite beverage or a glass of wine, a journal and your thoughts.
This year, one of the questions that’s pulling at my heart pertains to what matters most in life and how am I going to make the next year better* than the current one?
*Better = More meaningful. More fulfilling. More connected with family, friends and loved ones. Less stressful. More intentional. More joyful and joy-filled. Less distraction. Much more laughter. And more impactful to the community and world.
So, how are we going to make next year better? To make it easy, start with the questions, “What do I want more of in my life?” and “What do I want less of?”
Kindness and connection are two things I’d like more of in the coming year. Over the past year, with the impact of the global situation, I’ve been feeling a little isolated. Disconnected from family, friends and loved ones. And even though I’m actually a total introvert, I am missing the feeling of connection with my community. To help feel more connected, not just with the world around me but also within myself, I created a little project to fill the void, called 10 Million Acts of Kindness.
Kindness is something we could all use a little more of right now. Not the sort of kindness that requires money but the sort of kindness that costs nothing, yet is invaluable. Unforgettable. Priceless.
What matters most in life are the things that cannot be bought. The things that cost nothing yet mean everything. These are the things I want more of in my life and the things that I would like to give more of this holiday season and through the coming year.
I think the best place to start sharing a little kindness is with ourselves. Three gestures of kindness I’d like to bestow upon myself – and maybe you would consider joining me – are forgiveness, patience and self-care. Imagine what it would feel like if we gave ourselves these three gifts through the holiday season and the coming year. How good would that feel?
Sharing a little kindness with others is also a wonderful idea. Sharing the gift of time with those we love and care about would be a treasured and extremely meaningful act of kindness.
I hope this holiday season and the coming year are filled with what matters most to you, along with a little more kindness for yourself and for others… and, of course, if you’re like me, a little chocolate, too. 😉
If you would like to share a little random (or not so random) acts of kindness with others, you might enjoy these gorgeous little Random Acts Of Kindness cards. They are to pass along to the recipient of your gesture, for them to continue the ripple effect and create a gesture of kindness of their own. They are available in tins (local or bulk orders only b/c of high shipping costs) or soft white satchels with drawstring top. There are 52 in each pack – one to share every week of the year and are $10. They would make a great stocking stuffer or Christmas gift for family and friends. You can find them here:10 Million Acts of Kindness
This post was written for Kelowna Community Resources last week, for their annual Okanagan Holiday Activities Guide. Please check out the amazing things that KCR is up to and all the great work they do in our community here: KCR Special thanks to Ezra and Dorothee for the invitation and opportunity to contribute to your publication.
PS: One of my goals for the coming year is to write more. With that in mind, I’m starting early and will see you here next week for another post. Until then, I hope you’ll think of one or two of your goals and allow them a little space in your mind and heart. 2022 is coming soon and I can hardly wait for all of us to dream big, set some lofty goals and bring them to life together!
Crystal Flaman is an international keynote speaker and social entrepreneur, inspiring you to discover your dreams and the difference you can create in the world. Anything is possible. Everything is possible. Believe in your dreams. Do what you love and be fearlessly you.
If you would like to learn more information about this topic or to have Crystal share this message with your team, in person or on a virtual basis during the current global situation, please contact Crystal. Thank you.
