The Gift of Alignment

​Prior to the holidays, I sent reminders of several gifts that each of us may have or want. The list included the gifts of a solid work ethic, gratitude, generosity, respect, and identity. 
 
Before moving to other “insights which incite personal and interpersonal growth,” I want to share one more gift: The Gift of Alignment.
 
Millions of people developed “New Year’s Resolutions” in honor of the start of 2016. Countless others did not, perhaps because they don’t feel they have the time to do it, or because they have come to recognize how quickly they step away from those goals after the start of the New Year. Maybe it’s because they have become accustomed to not achieving their goals, and it becomes easier not to try.
 
Admittedly, it has been many years since I intentionally created New Year’s Resolutions. This year was different; however, instead of creating “resolutions,” I have spent time reflecting on the concept of “alignment.”
 
You may be familiar with “alignment” as it relates to a vehicle. Unless the wheels are all aligned properly, the vehicle will not move down the road the way it is supposed to. Chiropractic care focuses on ensuring that the spine and other bones, ligaments, and muscles are all in proper alignment to achieve optimal health and well-being. Orthodontics help achieve maximum alignment of the teeth and jaw so that the mechanics of chewing along with esthetics can be optimized.
 
Toward the end of 2015, I listed my top four life values. I then began examining my life and asking myself which of my activities, purchases, use of time, relationships, etc. enhanced those values, and which were actually taking away from them or distracting me from them. I then began making the necessary specific changes to bring those things in alignment with my core values.
 
The result has been surprising for me. Instead of feeling like I have “one more thing to do,” I am finding that I have less stress and a greater ability to manage life. I have increased enjoyment of those things I value. And I am learning to enjoy letting go of the things that do not support or enhance my most treasured resources. I do not expect that I will ever achieve complete alignment, but I hope and pray that throughout the rest of my life I will continue to listen, learn, and hone my ability to make choices that support whatever I viI
 
Whether or not you made New Year’s Resolutions, I would encourage you to examine your life to ensure that the ways you are spending your time, money, mental energy, and talents—and the relationships you invest in-- are in line with what you profess to value. You may be encouraged to find that you are already enjoying the benefits of having those things aligned. Or you may discover that there are changes—big and small—that you can make to ensure that you are more fully nurturing and enjoying whatever means the most to you.
Blessings as you discover, implement, and enjoy the benefits of the Gift of Alignment!