Do you know the kind of things that are important to you? And how to get more of them every day?

In this article we look at the idea of helping others, both the young and the old. We also look at how to help yourself get more of whatever it is you want in life.

In these often difficult times you would think that money is the number one desire, the thing that people want to have more of. Of course, we could definitely all do with that bit of extra cash flow to keep the bills paid and ease our mind. Yet, more than anything else these days, the number one priority, the thing that matters above all else is peace of mind and happiness. And that got me thinking, we can survive with less material things and do without some of the luxuries that we have grown accustomed to and that our young people had come to expect. But what we need more than ever now is to feel content in our own skin. We need to feel that there is indeed more to life than material things, deadlines and Facebook!

What is emerging more and more is the need for meaning in our lives. We need to feel that we belong, either in a relationship, family, locality, county. This is especially true for people who are immigrants to Ireland. We need to feel that we matter, that our lives have value and purpose.
How can we continue to grow ourselves, develop that sense of well-being and find joy in every day? Helping others and making a positive contribution to the lives of those we come in contact with feeds a deep need in all of us. We derive a sense of happiness from acts of kindness and nurturing both the young and old.

Think of the hugely positive influence that football and hurling coaches, youth leaders, dancing teachers etc. have on the upcoming generation. As the Irish saying goes “Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sé” “ Praise the youth and they will come” Let us never under-estimate the positive ripple effect of being a good role model for young people. This is something that everyone can contribute to…and not a task just for government or local authorities. So let’s encourage our children and teenagers to nurture their good nature, their creativity and natural exuberance.

At the other end of life’s journey the Irish also have a tradition to be proud of. Care of the elderly and simply valuing the experience and wisdom of those of us who have lived longer is alive and well in our communities. As we realise how important both the younger generation and the older generation are to our lives we will come to treasure and value our own unique place in the tapestry of our lives. Everyone is precious and irreplaceable. Every one of us deserves love, health and happiness – at every stage of life. We need to feel like we matter and that we belong.

You have your own unique viewpoint on life. You know what is important to you. To help you, simply ask the questions “Who and what is really important to me?
How do I want to be physically, mentally, emotionally?
What do I want to do, activities, job or career?
And what do I want to have, more money, clothes, car relationship, health?”
Stop right now and answer those questions for yourself!

Nobody is perfect, remember that! And while it is good to have goals for yourself, it is not the reaching of all your goals that is important, it is all the little steps, the daily decisions that you make and the kind of person you choose to be, on a daily basis, which will give you the most reward. Remember this!! Sometimes the road to what you want will be difficult, but stay on your path, for if you keep changing your mind and your direction in life, you end up getting no-where!

Well, I have no magic wand but I can promise that when you know what kind of person you want to be and what is important to you, take steps every day, no matter how small, towards being that kind of person, then you are a living tower of hope, for yourself and those around you.

So let’s dig deep now, know what you want, find your passion and keep moving in that direction…and side by side we can have more of what we all desire…peace of mind, happiness and contentment. Remember that it takes 21 days to make a new neural connection, that means- to make a new thought or habit in your brain, to have a new ability- to become a happier person! Why not take the time to mark out 21 days and follow your own programme to a happier, healthier you? These new habits can last you forever. So, let’s do it, let’s get going, what have you to lose but the blues!!

If you have further questions, or anything you would like to discuss about overcoming your fears and changing your habits to get the life you desire, please contact us.

Anne Marie Ferris is the Director of the FerrisWheel, Learning4Life. She has over 25 years’ experience as a teacher, therapist and certified Master Practitioner and Trainer of NLP. If you have any specific questions you would like her to address she can be contacted through the website or by email: annemarie@theferriswheel.org