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My Theme for 2007

• Posted by Theresa on December 31st, 2006 filed in Book Review, Goal-Free Living

Earlier this year I read the book Goal-Free Living by Stephen Shapiro. I discussed my thoughts about the book (search Goal-Free Living to see posts) in my blog in various places. And, to top things off I had a phone conversation with the author Stephen Shapiro!

One of the things Stephen talks about is having a Theme for the year instead of making New Year’s Resolutions. Last year my theme was IMPACT.

“…that is what I want - to have an impact, to be an impact on people. I can detach myself from the aspiration to be a world-famous motivational speaker and reattach myself to having/being an impact. I can impact everyday and be in the moment, enjoying it, having fun with it - at my new job (whatever that will be), at Toastmasters, in my Book Clubs, with my friends, with new people I meet, the readers of my blog and my family.

I don’t have to worry about whether or not my job will complete and fulfill me. I still want to do something I will enjoy and be good at, but I do not have to make my job be a road-map to success. I can make an impact anywhere, anytime. There is a wonderful freedom in that - a Goal-Free Living freedom.”

This year my theme is going to be INTEGRATEDNESS. What does that mean to me? I have taken the liberty of using some of the words from The Speed of Trust by Stephen M R Covey.

I have integrity. I walk my talk. I am congruent inside and out. I have the courage to act in accordance with my values and my beliefs. I am honest, not only telling the truth, but also leaving the right impression.

I genuinely try to be honest in my interactions with others. I am open to the possibility of learning new truths that may cause me to rethink issues or even redefine my values.

I consistently keep any commitments I make to myself.

This will take some work on my part…especially some parts of it. I am very open on my blog about who I am and what I believe. But a lot of my friends don’t read my blog. And sometimes I think they think I am different than who I am. Therefore, leaving the right impression will be a big one for me.

Many of my friends don’t know I don’t believe in God anymore. They don’t believe I have given it all up. Oh, sure, I have changed and I don’t go to church anymore…but to have given it all up? Part of the reason for that is because the change occurred gradually. I didn’t become an unbeliever overnight. It was an ongoing process.

Sometimes in an effort to not make waves, I just don’t say anything and people assume I hold the same viewpoint. Sometimes it is difficult to express my viewpoint. For instance, at book club a few weeks ago one of the members was talking about how we as Christians believe this way and that… I wanted to say something, but didn’t know how to without sounding defiant or something. After thinking about it I could have said, “Not all of us believe the same way you do…could you please speak for yourself and not for the group?”

One time at work one of my co-workers said, “Well, I know you still believe in God…” I didn’t set her straight because…well, because why? I didn’t want to offend her? Work wasn’t the right place to bring it up? I didn’t want her to not like me? Probably all of the above. But here is the truth - if it offends her it is her problem, not mine, she brought it up at work, not me, it is who I am, I don’t think she is so shallow that she “wouldn’t like me” anymore. So why didn’t I say not you are wrong - I don’t believe in the God myth?

So - this is my theme for the year - being integrated - my thoughts and my verbalizations. For me I think it can be summed up this way:

INTEGRATEDNESS - Leaving the Right Impression.

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