Out with the new- In with the old

Submitted by Motivation Medics

Many of us view the new year as an opportunity to get rid of the old and bring in the new, resolving to become new and improved versions of ourselves. My challenge to you in 2012 is to start the new year by reclaiming the old. Before becoming enamoured with the possibilities of the “new you”, ask yourself if you've given the old you a fair shake. After all, whats so bad about the old you? We are all so unique, yet we rarely allow our brilliance to shine before we are trying to somehow “improve” or “renew” ourselves.

We live in a culture that tells us we can make ourselves new by changing our face, shape, clothing, friends, perspective or occupation. In reality, change comes from within, not from any external source. Listening to our inner voice that offers guidance and wisdom beyond our mortal years allows us to connect with our old self, rediscover our uniqueness and put our authentic selves forward in all that we do. By rediscovering your authentic self and sharing that with others, you make a new creation from your old self.

What a precious gift our friends, families, lovers, and communities lose if we fail to acknowledge who we are and share our individuality. Many of us ignore our own needs and desires, in order to meet the demands of others. When we make a habit of this, we risk creating a latent self, who we really are still exists but is no longer obvious or visible. When we become “invisible” it is very difficult, if not impossible to connect with others, including ourselves. As a result, we bumble around trying to identify and connect through things in our commercial and social world. We believe it necessary to change our self in order to connect and find more meaning in our lives when what we really need to do is reclaim and embrace what already exists, the old you. I suggest that as long as we continue to look outside ourselves for meaning and renewal we will continue to experience a disconnect from ourselves and others. The best way to make meaningful connections and feel comfortable in our own skin is to get to know our old, latent self and share our uniqueness with others.

To become reacquainted with your old self, cultivate what makes you smile, trust your gut, remember what hobbies and activities you did that seemed to make time fly, recollect topics of conversation that made you sit up straight, move to the edge of your seat and fight the urge to shoot your arm up in the air and shout “me!, pick me!” It will be all of these things that offer clues to our individuality and that which brings us joy.

To live a more joyous life and share our unique gifts with others, we must ensure our life reflects and includes all of the above. Self care is not an option to living a meaningful life. A full life demands more from us than just showing up. We must “bring it” and by “it” I mean our full, lovely and unique self.

This year, why not make your new years resolution the arduous task of excavating your latent desires, meeting your needs and rediscovering your joy. Just imagine discovering that what you've been seeking all this time has been within you all along, your old self.

Best Wishes in 2012 from the Motivation Medics Team