Wisdom

As we move forward into this new year and try to navigate what is ahead of us, I am reminded of the proverb that goes, "do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion." Don't we all feel the need for wisdom and knowledge? Most people seem to be at the look out for new and better ways of doing things, perhaps what we all need is more wisdom and knowledge.

But, how do we acquire more wisdom? is there anything we can do to improve our ability to make healthy decisions and avoid the insanity of repeating the same old patterns expecting better results each time? Well, some of the things that come to mind can be summarized in the next couple of ideas. 

Let's start with listen to our past. Behind us, in our history, there are many treasures that either we or others close to us have found, lessons of life that, in one way or another, have shaped who we are now. I understand that some of those events are very painful and even tragic, but let me suggest that instead of focusing on the tragedy itself, and without denying it, see if you could look around it and find new wisdom, new lessons, things that can be done differently or even avoided in the future. Like the philosopher Santayana wrote, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." And to be honest, there are many things in our past that we should not repeat or allowed to be repeated. 

Let's gain wisdom by surrounding ourselves with people who can enrich our life and not drain it and make it bitter. We need others, that is a fact, but we need others that will offer a healthy laugh, a deep thought, an intriguing question, and a warm hug or handshake. We need people who have a hopeful view of life, even in the midst of so much fear. We need people who could genuinely relate to others with respect, gratitude and love. I am talking about our family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, but also about our entertainers, writers, teachers and even leaders. Let's be very careful what show or movie we watch, what news we follow, what book we read and share. Those means become very important relationships that can make us wiser or foolish.

I strongly believe that wisdom is available, it is up to us to access it and make it ours.     

New Beginnings...

A new year suggests a new beginning, a fresh start. But it also, and in a more subtle way, suggests at end to something. I always wonder if the excitement of a new beginning comes mostly from the hope of what is ahead, or if it is, also in part, because of what we are leaving behind. I guess, both ends of this continuum are very important, however, it feels more exciting to think about what is coming, specially if we want to make a big change or start something that has been a big dream for quite some time.

To let something go, we need to acknowledge what needs to go. We need to spend time with that we decided not to keep anymore. I have found that one of the mistakes we make when dealing with things that have to go is to try to forget them too soon. Sometimes we hide them or put them in a "mental box" so they do not bother us, or so we think. Unfortunately, those things tend to hunt us, either through painful emotions that do not seem to make sense, or by abrupt, impulsive, and even self-destructive behaviors that contradict our commitment to a better life. 

As we start anew, let's say goodbye to old things that need to go, but let's do it well.  Spend some time searching for those events, memories, behaviors, habits, or relationships that have to go, hold them―in your mind―thank them, and waive them goodbye. If some of them do not want to leave, maybe a new beginning could be to find the needed help to detach them from you. Sometimes we need help to move forward. 

Blessings in the new beginnings and goodbyes of this year!