By Brenda Carrico
What does spiritual well-being mean to you? According to an article from HRZone, “Spiritual well-being means the ability to experience and integrate meaning and purpose in life through a person's connectedness with self, others art, music, literature, nature, or a power greater than oneself.”
If you are already attending services, meditating, spending time in nature or participating in an activity that gives you a sense of peace, well-being and purpose, then you likely understand the importance of incorporating these things into your daily living.
The Big Picture
Some may find that their spiritual life is intricately linked to their association with a church, temple, mosque, or synagogue. Others may pray or find comfort in a personal relationship with God or a higher power. Still others seek meaning through their connections to nature or art. Like your sense of purpose, your personal definition of spirituality may change throughout your life, adapting to your own experiences and relationships.
Refire! Don’t Retire has you explore the events and experiences that shaped your belief system. It also takes you on a journey of self-discovery and guides you on a path to cultivate a sense of inner peace.
Re-firing spiritually is about getting to a place of self-acceptance and the importance of no longer comparing yourself to others. If you’ve become disconnected from your belief system – the thing that provided you with purpose and a reason for living – it’s about getting back in touch with that aspect of your life.
CHALLENGE ONE: If you are feeling disconnected spiritually then make it a goal to start doing something at least once a week that helps you reconnect to the things that feed your soul: attending services, meditating, going for a walk in nature or reading an inspirational book. Write them down on your calendar so you don’t skip this exercise.
CHALLENGE TWO: When we lose a spouse or anyone close to us it’s difficult to find joy in living. During these periods of grief some of us feel a sense of betrayal or anger towards the things that once gave us solace. Should you find yourself in this place, it is important to once again turn back to what brought you comfort in order to find your sense of joy in life again. If you’re not ready to return to what that was for you, then try something new that will bring that same sense of well-being into your life. Write down three ideas that you believe could bring you joy in a spiritual sense and try out each idea over the next three months.
CHALLENGE THREE: Are you still feeling like something is missing – that you lack meaning? Try participating in activities that allow you to serve others. Volunteering may help you find a sense of purpose again and also give you a sense of community by interacting with the people you’re helping and the other volunteers. Schedule two different volunteer projects over the next two months to start finding the best fit for you.
CHALLENGE FOUR: Do you find yourself comparing your life to others – the home they live in, the car they drive, the vacations they take? Do you look at someone and envy their relationships, level of knowledge or health? The next time you compare yourself to others, stop and notice what you’re doing. Ask yourself why you feel this way. Then take time to think of at least one thing in your life that you are grateful for and the ways that you have personally been blessed.
Ultimately it doesn’t matter how others are living their life, what things they have accumulated or experiences they have had. What matters is that you’re living a life that means something to you. Take some time to reflect on what you are passionate about and if you’re giving those things the attention they deserve.
The very best thing you can do for the whole world is to make the most of yourself. – Wallace D. Wattles
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The content of this letter does not constitute a tax or legal opinion. Always consult with a competent professional service provider for advice on tax or legal matters specific to your situation. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed in this content, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing.
Published for the blog on March 02, 2020 by Searcy Financial Services, your Overland Park, Kansas Fee-Only Financial Planner and Investment Manager.
