Vulnerability is Vital — 3 Cheers for 2019
After years of unfulfilled New Year’s Resolutions, in 2014 I decided to embark on a different process of renewal: setting a personal mantra to live by. In doing so, I have learned to wholeheartedly embrace my vulnerability.
Being vulnerable is a terrifying experience. But the truth is, vulnerability is vital. It is not a weakness — it is our greatest measure of courage.
This year, I began working with a life coach. Doing so has allowed me to be more authentic and honest with myself and others. It has allowed me to see my flaws, challenge myself to change them, and thus grow, learn and be strengthened. And most importantly, it has allowed me to realize I am not wholeheartedly experiencing the life I work so hard to create.
So, this year, it was quite difficult to choose a single mantra to elect. But after weeks of contemplation and mounds of trust in myself, I’ve decided to adopt not one, but three mantras for 2019:
- Trade Expectations for Appreciation
As humans, we often get so caught up in all these titles and these labels of what people are supposed to be. This year, I’m in search of emotional independence.
Acknowledging we all have expectations, when we are able to accept others for who they are and not who we wish them to be, we trade our expectations for appreciation. I must make it a priority to allow others to be where they are on their journey and try hard not to make judgements about how people ought to think or behave. I am hoping to experience more peace and contentment by doing so.
2. Be Where Your Feet Are
Presence is all we have, yet it often becomes a last priority. In a world that is constantly demanding more and more of my attention, I can’t forget to give myself what matters most: a glimpse at what’s happening right now. There have been way too many occasions where everything I’ve ever dreamed, wanted, worked for, or wished for was right in front of me, yet I could not help but think “what’s next?”
This year, I vow to find the balance between living in the moment and planning for the future. Be Where Your Feet Are is my gentle reminder to stop and smell the roses in 2019.
3. Pitch a Perfect Game
In baseball, pitching a perfect game means nine innings of pitching without allowing a hit or a walk. From the time I wake up to the time I go to sleep, this year I wish to spend my day exactly how I want to — in the healthiest, happiest, most meaningful way possible.
Every day I get about 16 hours to optimize to my advantage. I need to start critically thinking about how I’d like to best utilize them. True progress doesn’t come from striving toward results… it comes from improvements in process.
“If you‘re not going to be any better tomorrow than you were today, then what need do you have for tomorrow?” — Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
Three mantras for one year won’t be easy, but at the end of the day, the hardest climbs are the ones that yield the most reward. And if there is one thing I have learned over the last few years, it’s that we are all much more capable of engaging our problems than we realize.
What will your mantra(s) be this year?
Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year! Be vulnerable! All the best in 2019.
Mantras from Years Past
Life has always been, and will forever remain my favorite teacher. So, it’s quite a beautiful process to reflect back each year and see how significantly impactful these mantras have been.
Make Your Life a Story Worth Telling
In 2014, I aimed to make my life a story worth telling. At the end of our journey, all of our possessions will fade away, but the strength of our legacy and the story of our life will remain.Get Outside of Your Comfort Zone
In 2015, my mantra was to get outside of my comfort zone. When you go beyond the places that make you feel safe, you enable yourself to truly discover who you are and what makes you feel most alive.Don’t Schvitz The Small Stuff
In 2016, I did my best to not let the little things get to me. After all, the people with the brightest minds and the biggest hearts choose to see the world in a powerful, positive perspective. That is what paves the way to create a massive impact.Find the Funny
2017 was the year of laughter. My mantra was to find the funny — a vow to actively seek humor in everyday life. The truth is, life is literally abound in comedy; you just have to look for it. It’s all about perspective.Run the Risk
This past year, I vowed to take more risks. I can confidently say, in 2018 I did just that. When you push through the fear of failure, exhilaration lies on the other side. Successful or not, every risk comes with the reward of a vital learning experience.
