I certainly feel that I've had my share of tough "life" moments this past year (I'm a "forever student" and will probably always think in academic years, not calendar years!!). But, despite the hard moments -- and perhaps, in part, due to them -- I am feeling incredibly grateful and satisfied. I have continued my journey towards my career goals, I have found satisfaction in being good at what I do, and I have continued to "discover" myself, and work towards living the life that is fulfilling and satisfying -- by MY definitions, not anyone else's expectations!
I was doing an exercise with a group of Veterans at work the other day (based on the ACT model, for those who are curious) and it involved helping them to discuss and work towards identifying the Values they hold in life, that will bring satisfaction & meaning to their lives (regardless of challenges/struggles). In line with trying to demonstrate what I was teaching, I participated in the activity as well... I had considered my values before, but hadn't given it much thought in recent times... As part of the exercise, I asked the Vets to look through a series of cards that had various Values suggestions (things like perseverance, independence, family, caring, etc)... even though I was familiar with the exercise, it was powerful to realize my current "top three" values: Genuineness, Caring, and Growth. Those are values that I want to demonstrate in my life, regardless of my personal struggles, regardless of how others treat me, regardless of the feedback I receive. Those are values that are intrinsically meaningful to me, that I want to continue to prioritize in my life, so that what ever challenges I might face around the next corner, I can find satisfaction in knowing that I am living my life in a meaningful way.
