Welcome to 2023! Some of us are working hard to offset our over-indulgence over the Christmas season; parents are hanging out for the start of the school term; new year’s resolutions are fading fast. This year has the potential to be just another year or it could be a year when you make significant change. What would you do if anything was possible? It may not be possible to fulfil your ultimate dream but perhaps there are steps you can take in a direction that will provide you with pleasure and satisfaction.

When it comes to hopes and dreams, we are all diverse. Thankfully, we are not products of a factory production line. Each and every one of us is a unique being. Evidence of our uniqueness can be seen at an early age. It doesn’t take long for parents to notice demonstrations of their child’s personality and preferences. What can seem like a toddler’s meaningless activity can hold subtle hints of lifelong strengths. Childhood is a time of unfiltered aspirations. Young children believe that anything is possible. It might be unrealistic to dream of being an astronaut, a princess or captain of Australia’s cricket team, although Andy Thomas, Princess Mary and Pat Cummins would disagree. However, contained within every child’s dream are elements of what makes them tick.

Somewhere between child belief and adult realities, we lose the wonder that our dreams are possible. Circumstances can rob our opportunities, undermine our hope and leave us feeling skeptical. Sometimes life beats us up and people tend to put us in our place and, as a result, we settle for mediocrity. We work in a job that provides us with money but doesn’t offer real satisfaction. We put minimal effort into our relationships and wonder why we don’t have close connection. But what if you could have a life that was more than ‘ordinary’?

A common mistake is spreading ourselves too thin. We try to be all things to all people instead of operating out of our strengths and passions. What did you dream of as a child? What did you enjoy doing? Looking back over your life, what have you done consistently well? At the intersection of your affections and successes you will find your uniqueness. Here you’ll find things that you can do in a manner that no-one else can. Finding those will bring you a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

Make 2023 an opportunity to get reacquainted with yourself. Reflect on past longings and dreams that may have been extinguished by the demands of life. Unearth your inner optimistic child who believed that all things are possible. If you’ve lost touch with your buried dreams there are many available tools to help you become familiar with your personality, your passions, your strengths. Ask a trusted friend what they notice in you.

Whether it’s career, relationships, health, volunteering, recreation, personal growth- this year is an opportunity to move from mediocre to deeply satisfying. Time to recognise your uniqueness and run in your lane.

Linda Gray
0401 517 243
linda@relationshipsanctuary.com.au