“Experiment” is my word for 2024, encouraging play and curiosity of routines.
What would happen if I asked myself, what do I truly need in this moment?
Basic needs being met are key foundations to success, especially when things are new. And so much was new this year, from a deepened sense of faith to my sobriety. Even in the last few months, I have seen changes in how I show up. I’m more aware, wholehearted, and willing to be vulnerable, regardless of person, status, or role.
For example, I started a couple new jobs (and resigned from the place that kickstarted my move to Denver, thus dropping my benefits like insurance). It wasn’t necessarily easy, but I didn’t struggle. Mostly.
Likewise, when I started this master’s program a year ago, I promised myself I’d never take an all-nighter. One year in, with the first day of quarter four (of six) starting this afternoon, I’m grateful to have held true to this goal, with the least sleep being three hours. By comparison, I was lucky to receive three hours of sleep during undergrad. I aspire for taking care of myself. By focusing on what (and who and where) matters, I will continue to grow, evolve, learn, and trust. In myself, in God, in people.
I have learned to ask God for what I need, and now I want to learn how to ask others for what I need.
Sometimes, my spiritual journey is not all about me, and I am learning to pray for (and chant about) others, helping me recognize that there are universal needs. Many of these are systemically unmet. What can I do, right here and now, with the resources I have?
Last month, for example, I resolved to “evolve” as the last E within “experiment”. This was due in part to my awakening spiritual evolution. When I feel I cannot give, it’s time for me to recognize what I have (and don’t have). That realization often comes from journaling.
Surrendering what I do have to a higher power is still a challenge, even if I am on a spiritual journey. Making connections to others is often service work, but it does not have to be work in the traditional sense. And sometimes, asking for what I need requires self-work. Boundaries, then bridges. In other words, as a logical yet sensitive human, I need to take or make sources of protection to feel safe. When I have deep relationships with people, such as my best friends and partner, I feel safe. But even then, sometimes I still create boundaries. And it’s on me to forge them.
How can I still empower self-growth even when I am in a time of need? Without feeling needy.
One of my affirmations is, “I am [a] human [being].” A mere mortal, I still have physical needs. Asking for guidance is frankly human, acknowledging we are not made to do life alone.
Performing a needs assessment may help you recognize something needs to change. Perhaps such an evolution is physical in nature like sleeping more. Maybe it’s interpersonal like deepening your relationships. Or maybe you need a spiritual shift. You don’t know until you start asking and listening. Paying attention to change requires contemplation. Not just going full-steam ahead.
Friends, we’re all on a journey. As I shift seasons via transitioning back to school today, I hope to be gentle and more loving (to myself and others). I see my life now and am deeply grateful. I am in a place of peace. And not because an absence of worry. Just last week, I had a little panic, due to a potential allergen. Graced with learning how to cope, even with my serious allergies, I am happy to be here today.
This month’s goal of “need” is not as simple as choosing to not struggle, or asking for needs being met, it’s active surrendering to God about what, who, and where I need, right here, right now. My higher power’s got me, despite especially during these shifts. So, if this is a month of needs assessment, so be it. Prayer, charts, chants, and journaling are all methods here.
I am ready to see what life brings before me and ask for what I need. How do you ask for help, support, or awareness? Know that’s this is human, and you matter!