You Are NOT For Everyone
Spoiler Alert: You are not meant to be. And, also, this is not an article about finding “the one” or building and maintaining relationships (albeit they are inevitably part of the larger conversation on A Monday Minute).
It’s early December 2022. The anticipation of the holiday season is abuzz, Thanksgiving has only recently passed, and shopping (or the temptation to shop) is in full swing. While the focus remains largely on the excitement of Christmas, and for some, the climax of the year. Following on the coattails is January first.
It is said Julius Caesar can be thanked for introducing us to this sort of “reset” we either yearn for, or loathe. But I am not a historian, or certified in any way to speak further on the details of said established tradition, and will digress no further.
Let’s be honest. You’re tired, overwhelmed, stressed, and for some reason a little bit sad. This time of year (at least in the USA) carries a lot of emotional weight. Warranted or not, our lives have been earmarked by annual traditions, including: copious amounts of food, holiday parties, gift buying, graciously receiving unwanted gifts, all the holiday décor, glitter wardrobes (hello sparkly tops, skirts, and iridescent makeup), and midnight kisses
Even still, enter “why does New Year’s” in google, and the first recommendation includes “make me sad”. With all these seemingly intentionally uplifting actions – why do you and many tout New Year’s Eve as a sad, depressing, lonely, or anxiety-inducing time of the year?
As with anything, it’s a very nuanced question, with so many influencing factors. Here on A Monday Minute, we will touch on this question and more as we unpack what it means to live a joy-filled life. Let’s get right down to it:
Happiness, fulfillment, success, support, connection, and even contentment cannot be accomplished by “looking a certain way”. These goal lines can only be danced upon when you are able to first identify successfully what helps YOU to feel that way. Life IMHO can be boiled down a few simple questions:
Where are you currently (physically, spiritually, financially, relationship wise, etc.)?
Where do you prefer your life were (physically, spiritually, financially, relationship wise, etc.)?
What are you willing to do to live more aligned with the preferred version?
The reality is life is not played in one note alone. It is the result of a series of choices we make in each moment of every day with real trade-offs. Loneliness, depression, and anxiety are normal human emotions that can be beneficial to us (or dangerous when prolonged or extremely intense). We will inevitably be hurt, disappointed, and disliked by others, while simultaneously hurting, disappointing, and disliking others.
The amazingly awesome thing about it all is we (yes, even you) are not meant to be one-sized fits all. You are not for everyone. Your life is not abnormal if your mood wavers between several emotions in a moment. It is not meant to be enjoyed in one flat, static mood. And the determination for the ending of the current and start of the next year is not determined by a single day.
The thing about self-development, reflection, or whatever phrase you attach to this type of “work” is that it isn’t really work. You really do not need the influencer-approved, TikTok-trending, viral FYP (for your page) purchase or 1:1 coaching program to begin. You can start now. As in today, or any time you decide you’re ready to make a change. Life is less about perfection and more about doing. Which includes both being active and periods of rest.
The reality is you are sometimes one very small choice away from a completely different story. A vastly different life. There are plenty of things that happen to us, for us, and because of us. And the only ending to the journey is when either you decide it’s not your choice to make, or the choice is taken from you and you are pushing up daisies.
However you found your way here — we’re happy you found us and look forward to diving into how the heck a joy-filled life is possible. If you’re ready to begin your journey today, don’t forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter and free (free free) download to start today.
