I write a lot about revision as I seek to live a good life. As the world, the people around you, and your life change, it's important to revise what you do and how you do it so that you are in line with your values and vision.
I am thinking about this today in the midst of change.
Where do I begin?
Family
There's a balance between holding families close and accepting the natural changes that occur. It's impossible for all families to stay super close due to the size of family, personal responsibilities/interests, geography, and all kinds of life events. For example, perhaps one family member is in love with travel and spends their life traversing the world. You might not see a person like that often and your ties may not be as close. On the other hand, another family member may move close to you and become a best friend. I think it's important to observe the changes that are happening around you and respond according to your values and vision for a good life for self and others. Family closeness is important, but not always possible for a variety of reasons.
Your impact on others
How we care for and treat others is always a point of consideration. My values point me in the direction of working to treat others with utmost respect, care, consideration, honesty, and the best of who I am. Sometimes this may be more challenging than other times, and this is especially true if what you encounter is different than what you expect or what you know how to handle. When we reach low points with regard to our interactions with others, I think it wise to think through the situation and figure out how you can make amends as well as how you might act if a similar situation were to occur again. For me, my most regrettable events with others came when I was caught by surprise and reacted with strong words and emotions. In hindsight, I wished I learned to step back, take a time out, and think through the surprise before reacting sooner--we almost always have the chance to step away and give ourselves time to think and garner support if needed before responding to surprising situations.
Mystery
Life will present us with mysterious situations. When that occurs, as one friend recently coached me, we need patience as we won't understand all situations right away. Also just as with surprising situations, it's best to always put your best self forward with regard to respect, kindness, care, honesty, and good will.
We can't be all things
As with mysteries, there will be situations where we don't have the answers or what the situation calls for. When this happens, it's time to step away until we have what's needed or to let others step in to remedy or at least help out in the situation.
Determine where you want to be and where you are welcome
The most happy times in life tend to be times in places where you want to be and where you are welcome. It's easy to know when a situation is just right for you. Times like that bring great satisfaction and happiness. It's also fairly easy to understand when you are not welcome and a situation is not a good fit. It's best to find and create good places where you feel welcome and where you belong.
Be generous, helpful, and kind
Look for opportunities where you can be generous, helpful, and kind. Loving and helping others is as much a gift to you as a gift to others.
Don't disregard those that love you
Sometimes we can take the good people in our lives for granted. Don't do that. Instead acknowledge their love, and pay it back and forward.
Live simply
Live within your means and live simply. When you live simply it usually means that you have more to give to others and well as to give when needs abound.
The world around us will continually change and as these changes occur, it's our values that will be our rudder when we steer our life ships. Continue to reflect on the values that matter to you, and do what you can to love and live well for yourself and others. Onward.
