With the ending of my month-long birthday celebration in November, I decided it was time to set intentions for the swiftly approaching new year. This meant closing out projects or prospective opportunities that happened in 2021, and deciding how I want to move forward in all areas of my life in 2022. I wanted to get this accomplished before the Christmas holidays – and certainly no later than year’s end on December 31st.
The best way for us to evolve is to clear, release and shift what – or who – no longer serves our highest good. Personally, for myself, that means finding what’s working and letting go of what isn’t. With the rapid changes occurring day-to-day globally, we need to be prepared to adapt, change and transform ourselves. We have to be quick-thinking in making these adjustments. Just look at how the worldwide health and economic situations have pushed us towards either motionlessness or created new directions.
In 2021, my efforts were focussed on three freelance projects amongst other endeavours. One assignment was started yet not finished because of a lack of cooperation from the youth whom I was asked to assist. We can only do so much to motivate individuals when they’re disinterested in their life’s purpose.
The second possibility didn’t come to fruition. It was supposedly due to the organisation’s focus on competing priorities and a need for flexibility. I had on several previous occasions attempted to work with this potential client without attaining positive results. My intuitive-self told me I needed to properly close the door to this opportunity. Time to move on!
Fortunately, the third project was successfully completed. It was a detail-oriented creative job editing an author’s manuscript and writing a book review. I happily offered my services and thoroughly enjoyed the tasks.
A major life lesson reaffirmed in 2021 is to release what isn’t working and embrace what’s going well. It’s not easy to do when we’re intent on being of service and helping others. But, it is absolutely essential that we listen to Spirit’s guidance and loosen our attachments to outcomes, people, places and things. This year has, in many ways, brought gifts and blessings, yet also had tremendous challenges.
We’ve seen with our own eyes some of the progress made in Anguilla regarding infrastructure. The airport runway was upgraded and re-surfaced. American and Aurora Airlines are now providing direct airlift from and to the mainland USA. Paved side roads provide alternate routes – easing traffic flow in and out of The Valley during road construction. There’s also easier access to the Jeremiah Gumbs Highway via George Hill Road. Several schools and polyclinics are newly constructed and open – or soon will be.
It’s great seeing these projects come to fulfilment after years of planning from past and present government administrations. We still have a long way to go in terms of re-building Anguilla’s economy and ensuring that every citizen and residents of all ages are adequately provided for. Everyone must have access to everything necessary to create a thriving lifestyle.
As we get ready to end 2021 and begin 2022, I encourage all persons to reflect on the past 12-months sequence of events and determine the direction we want to set for the course of our lives in the forthcoming year. One thing we know for sure is life is uncertain and ever-changing. So, we have to be flexible and bend like bamboo in the wind.
This Coronavirus isn’t going away anytime soon. We have got to bear with it, making the best of current affairs and continue following health protocols. Wear face masks. Sanitise and social distance. As well, find safe ways to gather together and not become isolated from one another.
In preparing for the next annual cycle, we have an opportunity to set a positive tone for our new year’s intentions. Whether it’s trading jobs, renovating homes, improving relationships, getting fit physically and financially, we cannot give up on dreams and goals – merely fine tune plans as circumstances arise and make adjustments. Whatever we desire possibly will come true or may not. Nonetheless, we must continually raise our conscious awareness excelling in everything we do.
This is my last column for 2021. Giving thanks to every person who inspires me to keep shining my light brilliantly and writing creatively. Healthy holidays to one and all!
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Kay M Ferguson is a contributing columnist who uses a nom de plume, The Empress Extraordinaire. Her words encourage us to explore who we are, evolve as human-beings and transform our world. Link with Kay at anguillawriter@gmail.com.