Become a FAN! –> www.facebook.com/CMediaUSA
Happy New Year!
And yes, I know that it’s mid February. This blog is off of sabbatical and we’re still celebrating! So again, Happy New Year to you! On PURPOSE!
The Pictures: February 10, 2013 was the start of the Chinese New Year. I hit DC to grab a few pictures from the ceremony after the parade. I really enjoyed it. Hope you like.
The Chinese theme for this year is “Year of the Snake.” It’s weird to me because the snake isn’t a welcomed animal in Chinese society. For that matter, it’s not very welcomed in most American homes either. It was kind of challenging for me to wrap my mind around that – there’s a yearly theme of something unpleasant and deadly? How’s that make everyone feel? I wouldn’t make me feel good at all.
I began to think of how so many times, we all say Happy New Year to others and even to ourselves with the intent on the year actually being ‘happy.’ We intend to make improvements and be a better person. Can you relate? Still, too often we bring many of the same negative behaviors, pessimistic people and unhealthy mentalities into our new years; they can’t be very happy that way. I’m guilty of this way too often.
February may be halfway over, but now is a GREAT time to evaluate what’s happened in your life for the first 45 days of 2013. Are you having a happy new year on purpose?
I did my 45-day review and here are SEVEN QUESTIONS (more like seven areas) I asked myself:
- What have I accomplished so far this year?
- Are my 2013 goals “S.M.A.R.T.” (Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound)?
- Am I being mentored (or coached) by someone you trust? Are they pouring life into you? What can I do to improve this relationship?
- Am I mentoring another and building trust? Am I you pouring life into him? What steps can I take to be a better mentor?
- What drove me and motivated me in 2012? What will I allow to drive me in 2013?
- Am I working in my God-given purpose? Have I helped others find and walk in their purpose also?
- Are my friends pulling me up, supporting me where I am, or pushing me down? What will I do about it?
These are what I call ‘grand scheme’ questions. Answering them doesn’t fix my life, but they do allow me to see whether or not I’m on the right path. Once I see my situation with honest eyes, I can begin to target the sections in my life that need improvement. It’s a slow and difficult change, but worth it and very rewarding.
Take some time to ask yourselves these questions. Get to the point where you enter the New Year speaking life into your existence; don’t just go through the motions. When we say Happy New Year to others and ourselves, we’ll really mean it and the routine evaluations will solidify it. That’s what I want for myself and for you also – a HAPPY year – on PURPOSE!
In your hands: Did I miss something? What are some of the questions you ask yourself when you do personal evaluation? How often to you check your personal progress? Let me know and let’s discuss!
Today, I’m thankful for being better in 2013 than in 2012. I’m thankful that you are also! God bless!
Capitol Media USA 
Nice pics! And, great questions. Thanks for the reminder. I think I will revisit my 2013 plan to see how I am progressing. Did you find that you are on the right path? Numbers 6 and 7 are two questions that I am focusing on. Number 6 for obvious reasons. Only recently have I started to question whether I have my friends’ support. Not because I have sucky friends, but because I have a difficult time asking for help and letting people know what I am up to. People are hugely supportive if they know what projects you are working on. Another question that I have to ask myself often is whether I am using my time most effectively and efficiently. There’s so much to do, and so little time. And, I personally like to stop and smell the roses. Frequently. The key here for me is balance. Keep up the encouragement, G!
Posted by Haute off the Press | February 19, 2013, 10:56 amHey you!! Thanks for the comment! Balance!! Who can find it? It seems like as soon as a few of us lucky ones do find it, the sun sets and we have to find it again the next day… on a diff playing field. How how sweet life is.
Yes, sharing is indeed caring and I support this –> People are hugely supportive if they know what projects you are working on.
I’ve learned to share more. I had to get over feeling like I was boasting or being arrogant.. or simply worrying others with my life. Friends care and we should let them. Let us know how that works for you this year!
Posted by gjames432 | February 19, 2013, 12:33 pmReally enjoyed your post today. Good to read your writing again.
Posted by CG | February 19, 2013, 11:10 amWell thank you for commenting! And thanks for reading. 🙂
Posted by gjames432 | February 19, 2013, 12:34 pmHey there! This is a great blog post. I really enjoyed the questions.. espcially #6. For myself, I always ask “What am I doing to make sure that I work on things that I want to do?”
Posted by LT | February 19, 2013, 12:27 pmPeace to you! I like your question! It’s a sure call to action if things aren’t aligned correctly. I’ll be using it for my next review!
Posted by gjames432 | February 19, 2013, 12:36 pmGood post. I thought you were going to delve more into the meaning of snakes but clearly that wasn’t the case. But just to give you a little tidbit, some cultures don’t view snakes as evil but more so symbolizes transformation and/or life changes so in a sense the year of the snake is actually a good theme to come into a new year with. I think the seven questions you pose today fall in line with that notion of transformation and life changes. I think its something we can all refer back to from time to time to get a good sense of our progress. For myself, I continue to ask myself question #5 because sometimes i just lose my momentum and need a quick reminder!
Posted by Kells85 | February 19, 2013, 1:23 pmHey Kellz! Thanks for sharing about the snakes. Snakes have long had a bad reputation… since the Garden. 🙂 I wonder if it will ever change for the masses.. what do you think?
I like question 5 also. I see my motivators changing as I mature and also as I get older in years. Different things matter more or less to me. Have you seen this also?
Great point at the snake representing transformation. Sounds good to me! Thanks so much for the tidbits and the comment! Looking forward to new entries from you also!
Posted by gjames432 | February 19, 2013, 3:02 pmI doubt if it will change the masses mind but it’s something to always think about when you are trying to gain a metaphorical meaning.
As far as my motivators changing, I would have to agree. I think in general as we get older our global prospective changes because we are a lot wiser and knowing what needs to be done.
I need inspiration to write and right now I don’t have it so until then the blog will be on hold….
Posted by Kells85 | February 19, 2013, 3:37 pmIt’s about time, Gee!! (Don’t keep us waiting so long!) It’s good to see your work, which is impeccable as always! Thanks for the thought provoking questions, as well. I started out the New Year with a proclamation that I was going to be ” new and improved” and so far, I can honestly say that I am not as far along in some areas as I had hoped to be. Sometimes we (I) get distracted and discouraged, so it’s important to have people in our lives that can motivate us, redirect us, and remind us of what it is that we set out to do. An encouraging photoblog :-), an inspirational tweet, or someone simply sharing their own successes can be a huge influence on those of us who periodically experience “vision drift”. So thank you, sir for being that for me today and as always! Amazing pictures, love the colors! And, snakes have purpose too! (We just don’t care to be involved or AROUND as they complete their purpose!!) When can we expect more from you..Do we need to pack a lunch? ; -)
Posted by Angela | February 19, 2013, 2:04 pmI love this —> “Sometimes we (I) get distracted and discouraged, so it’s important to have people in our lives that can motivate us, redirect us, and remind us of what it is that we set out to do.” Soo very true!! We know it yet we dont always even let others the people in our lives help us. What can we do!?
No, no need to pack a lunch. It’s good to be back and we’re ready to higher heights and the continuation of changing lives.
I believe that you will address those areas or change your expectations for those areas. Both need evaluation at times (at least mine do). Keep us posted with your progress!
Posted by gjames432 | February 19, 2013, 3:48 pmI enjoyed it…now it’s time for a self-analysis. Am I where I should be? Thanks
Posted by Duchess | February 19, 2013, 8:02 pm