By Cleofe Uy Catuday
There is something about the start of a year that inspires and motivates us to reassess our ways and our internal selves. The spark of hope inside us, that a new year can mean a chance to change our ways and the work ethos we have embraced through time can be put into check. A chance for us to rethink how we have navigated ourselves through time, circumstances and situations that brought out our inner values and characters. The beauty of being hopeful and having a strong positive outlook of being able to change ourselves can have a huge impact on how we can go about the upcoming year.
As we move forward to our blessing of being able to improve ourselves. There are five lessons of 2023 that I would like to keep close to heart.
Acceptance is key
Knowing that there are things beyond our control is critical in moving forward with peace in our hearts. Let’s embrace and accept the fact that we do not control everything. A lot of things are beyond us. Early acceptance of this reality has helped me in the past year lessen unnecessary stress and anxiety. I have also come to terms, that I do not have control over how other people react to things and situations, but I have control over mine. How I will respond to others, no matter how uncalled for. How I control my emotions and what words I choose as my reply to circumstances. More importantly how I have learned to trust in God and see situations as either two things only. His protection or his provision.
Synergy is the way to go
Across many endeavors in the past year, thinking of the community we revolve in has been key for me to navigate through goals and ideals that I want to achieve. Either for myself, my family and the organizations I represent. The fact that we give consideration to the ecosystems we revolve in is critical in moving forward faster. Synergy is the way to go! Recognizing that the more minds, hearts and hands working on the same direction the stronger we become. Together we are always stronger.
I may have to agree that leading a diversified group with varied principles and opinion may be challenging but that’s the beauty of synergy. Being able to gather people of various background, different ways of thinking and expressing themselves and funneling their strengths for a common goal is what makes synergy and collaboration worthwhile. Will definitely push forward for community and teamwork in 2024.
Be forward thinking
Considering only the present has so much setbacks for many of us. Thinking of how painful you feel now. How to protect your pride from a current situation will never help. Great decisions are made out of long-term impact considerations. It best to always think how will this impact me, my life and my organization in the long term. How can I improve the future with this decision or action of mine. Is this something I will not regret in the years to come. I always remind myself that the bigger the picture we see, the more understanding we are able to extend to certain circumstances we encounter in life. So think long term and be cautious of decisions you have to make.
Consider how others will feel
Sensitivity is imperative. We do not operate in this world thinking of how we feel alone. We have to have empathy and compassion. We do not celebrate wins while others are in pain. The more we value how others also feel the more considerate we become. The more selflessness we develop and the more we create an atmosphere where we do not live for ourselves alone, but we live a life that is cognizant of other people’s emotions. Yes we may never please everyone but living a life where we deliberately take care of how others feel will truly help.
Trust in him & his greatness
I would never have personally and professionally survived 2023 if I did not strengthen my faith in God. He has been so faithful to his promise of protection and provision to me, my loved ones and the company I work for. I have walked in faith through the ups and downs I had to navigate with in the past year. Throughout the journey of creating meaningful experiences and meaningful relationships in 2023, God has been my constant companion. Will definitely move forward with an even firmer trust in him. Here’s wishing us all a meaningful journey in 2024.
