Spring renewal

Living up to your potential is not as pretentious as it sounds; it simply means doing your best.

by Karen S. Adams — 

Spring is the perfect time to review and renew your life. While the trees and flowers are budding and the grass is growing, take the time to look back objectively on the past year and see how you can make this year better. You may want to consider many things, but the three most important are:

1. Am I living up to my potential?
2. Am I living true to my values and beliefs?
3. Am I living in the present, in the “now?

Living up to your potential is not as pretentious as it sounds; it simply means doing your best. Some people assign more meaning to the word than it deserves. They have the expectation there is a particular “something” they are supposed to do, in order to be doing their best.

It is important not to allow the expectations of others to impact you. Joyfully do the things you love doing and put forth your best effort at the necessary things you don’t love doing.

We get to know people by learning about their values and beliefs. We learn whether they are honest, kind and caring. We learn if they are creative, emotionally available or spiritual, quiet, and peaceful inside. When you live true to your values and beliefs, you provide the world with an accurate picture of who you are. Life is easier when you can be your authentic self. You know you are living true to your values and beliefs because you feel great about yourself.

Finally, live in the “now.” The saying, “Never put off till tomorrow, what you can do today,” has been used to describe the necessity of finishing work or a chore. It should also be used in relation to doing the things you enjoy today. Do not wait to spend time with friends and family. Do what it takes to make all of your relationships more loving and complete.

You do not want a life full of regrets over missed events and special occasions, or even just missed moments that give you pleasure. Happiness doesn’t have to be put on hold, waiting for a particular time; it can take place right now.

Karen S. Adams, LCSW, is a licensed counselor and a nationally certified biofeedback therapist in private practice with Life Coping Consults in Phoenix, Ariz. 602-274-3492 or [email protected].

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 25, Number 2, April/May 2006.