It’s a new year, new beginning’s. A time when we are all writing down new resolutions on what we want to achieve for the year, whether it be by mid-year or year end. We start to visualize what we want and how we going to get and, we then also visualise how that it going to make us feel. We envision the excitement and how we are going to celebrate it. For most of us it is about the milestones in our lives that we must reach by a certain time. Yes, all this is outlined by time for us. Most of our goals are materialised or noticeable achievements. We take so much time on gaining and achieving. Yet this pressure we put on ourselves are due to societal pressures and guides and timelines. Time is not measure by what you have achieved and neither should what you have achieved be measured by time.

Yet, our one major neglect, through all the goals that we are setting up is, our inner beings. The most important aspect of ourselves, the brain, the heart and the soul. We neglect that so much because of all that we materialise and prioritise. We forget to take time and just breathe. We do not see the beauty of setting up your emotional goals first and the rest can follow. Because once we learn to do that, we are in a better place to do whatever we set our minds on to achieve at a better chance. The body should be our golden gate, as we cannot do anything without it, we will not be able to achieve all we desire if our body is not present. The body is driven by so many different elements. It is just like a car, the brain being our engine, it needs that to be able to move, to start up, to warm up, the heart being the petrol/gas that it needs, as that very much influences our ability to do a task, how well are we will perform, the emotions act as the accelerator, which enables the engine to do the job properly. And then there is all the other smaller details that makes the car and enables it to perform well, and that is the same on how the human body operates. Remember, the soul ages every other time when it learns something and finds enlightenment. Madidate, get quiet, get space and just breathe.

So, when life gives us opportunities and second chances, do we really appreciate it? Do we recognise the gift and take it, did we try to learn from our mistakes? Most times we are so stuck on our journey and how we think things are supposed to be working out for us, that we do not see all these beautiful things that are presented to us in various forms. We are set to certain aspects and thinking, that they are what kills us and drags us down. As we set out to achieve our goals, we do not prepare ourselves of the things that may not work out, or the times when we will get the “no” response. Because once again, all this will affect the way you think and the way you react towards it. So as much as you run, as much as you are trying to get up to speed and get to the “finish point”, are you well prepared? Is there really a finish point? Are you going to achieve all that you are planning? Are you going to be happy? The one mistake we all make is presuming that happiness is an external thing. But it is not. You cannot achieve what you want if your whole being is not in it, and that does not mean your physical body, it means your heart, mind and soul.

Take care of all that you are, all that makes you, and you are good to go. So as much we are striving and setting up goals, our prioritized goals should be our mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as the spiritual aspect of you. Make it a point to get in touch each day with your spiritual being and being true to who you are what makes you, and your core of being. Make it a number one point to grow and achieve wellness in your mind and heart, and then the rest can follow. Make your resolutions on what resonates with you and what you feel when you ae synced with who you are, not because of all this pressure we receive from society, and from people who think they know what is the best for you. Because trust me, you are going to lose yourself very fast, and when it all crumbles down, how will you then handle it? Everything we strive for should not be materialistic or to noticeable, but our greatest goal should be to strive for that place of balance where you are fulfilled in the heart and mind. You are going to chase after all that you can achieve and want to, but by the end of the time, you will not feel as fulfilled and happy as you thought you will be. Remember that material things bring temporary happiness and satisfaction, and then you will already be thinking of what to do next. And most people do all these things, not for themselves, but for other people. And yet, they are bleeding, their spirits are broken, they are lonely and at times they feel they are on the verge of a breakdown. All that they have achieved is not enough anymore, and all that they have does not even come close to bringing the happiness.

I had to learn very early, that all that I am is all that I have and all I will ever be able to truly give. That trying to achieve so many things at once and being in race because of what I thought need to be, was at the end of the day not doing any good to me, but rather stressing e more and making me unhappy. I was so stuck on certain aspects of what I wanted that I missed a lot of opportunities. Second chances that I did not take. I was unhappy most of the times for all the things I thought I wanted and deserved that had not happened that I missed all that was happening right in front of me. But, once I started really taking care of myself, working on me and setting my goals on what I felt was right, and little by little, it all became easier. Because then my emotional wellbeing and spiritual wellbeing became my priorities, I started being thankful of all I had achieved and all I knew I could achieve, it set me at ease. As much as I know I must work hard and set all these goals for myself, I made sure that my emotional wellbeing was my priority.

A new year, a new beginning, new opportunities and second or third or fourth chances to make things right. But, what should really matter if you, what you feel in your inner most being. In the unseen or unheard moments and achievements. Because that is what you will remember at the age of eighty-five. Set goals, and go for them, but remember, as you set them don’t loose yourself in them, rather achieve your goals through all that is in you. And let the new beginnings external but internal beginnings. Let the unseen achievements really matter and fulfil you, and the rest will fall in place. Remember, that Personal growth in the most priceless thing there is, sand that come with internal beauty and peace.

So, achieve all those that are unseen yet, worth of gold, and you will see how rich you are. Achievements are milestones, but internal peace, that is wealth.

 

Leana Hengari

Leana is currently a volunteer counsellor at Lifeline Childline Namibia , where she has been volunteering and working as a Change Agent Administrator, and radio program editor for the past 3 years. She has always volunteered at different initiatives, at a young age. That’s where she found her passion and calling into helping others