For the Common Good

As the calendar transitions into 2020, I find myself setting intentions for the year (and years) ahead. I see it as an opportunity to reflect on and acknowledge all that the past has taught me and to carry those lessons forward so I can move in the direction of my most meaningful life.

With that in mind, I invite you to join me in stepping into the new decade with a positive outlook.

Let’s start with gratitude and count our blessings for all we have: for all the goodness that is around us in our daily lives; for those who teach us and support us and are there for us no matter what; for the opportunity we have each day to wake up and start again.

Let’s focus more on what we can influence and change and less on what’s beyond our control. Let’s find ways to minimize distractions so we can pursue and make progress toward our deepest passions and biggest goals.

Let’s have confidence in ourselves, our own actions, and our ability to independently pursue our ambitions. Let’s trust in our potential — and believe that, with the right resources and knowledge, we’re capable of achieving anything and everything we set our minds to.

Let’s be respectful in our words and actions. Let’s give others the benefit of the doubt, recognizing that most of us are doing the best we can with our given circumstances. Let’s focus more on our similarities than our differences, and more on what people are doing right than what we perceive as wrong. Let’s seek common ground. Let’s love and respect those with different viewpoints.

Let’s protect the earth and all the people and creatures living on it. Let’s own the responsibility of caring for this precious planet we call home and work together to find innovative solutions for the challenges we face as its inhabitants. Let’s make it a better place for everyone who’s here now, as well as for future generations.

Let’s love one another in spite of and because of our differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and age. Let’s embrace what makes us unique — in body, mind, and spirit — and be role models for love and respect. Let’s show one another and our children how to love unconditionally and inclusively.

Let’s infuse positivity and encouragement into everything we do: in how we speak, write, and think (about ourselves and one another). Our thoughts influence our feelings, which guide our actions. With an optimistic mindset, we can bring good to all we do in this world. And there’s a lot we each can do.

What would you add to this list? I’d love to hear the intentions you’re setting for yourself for the new year and new decade. Feel free to share them with me at bakradi@lt.life.

In the meantime, my wish for the world and all of us is more peace, unity, thoughtfulness, care, and love. I believe we can get there.

Happy New Year to each and every one of you.