The power of Why by; Mary Kay Evans LCSW
CARE PATHWAYS


Each of us needs a convincing ‘Why’. We need to have a vision of the future so compelling that we can see it even more clearly than the new toys in front of us.

Developing a Why
What’s your Why? What compels you to get up and go to work each day, to do things you don't want to? Everyone needs some motivation to keep on track, Today more than ever we need a strong image. What is yours?

If you can't close your eyes and see your Why in detail, now is a good time to get clarity. Ask yourself the following questions:

Where have you been happiest?
What were you doing?
When you close your eyes and picture yourself incredibly happy, what do you see?
What makes you forget yourself and your troubles for awhile?
When do you feel best about yourself and your surroundings?
What do you talk about excitedly?
How can you see your way in this time and place we are all in coming out stronger?
How can you help others when you are barely holding on yourself?
What can you do in your community to help the frail and elderly?

Desires can be subtle. Maybe you have fond memories of staying somewhere. But it might actually be the time with friends that made the place special. What aspect really touches you? It is not the bigger car, the clothes, or expensive toys we surround ourselves with that brings joy and contentment to our lives. It is the special time we have spent with family or friends.

Find some quiet time to get clear on what moves you, and then visualize it until you can see this compelling future as clearly as your car. You'll know this is working when you look at something you thought you needed and instead see your Why.

The next step
This is a demanding, complicated world. It takes a lot of work to get good at something, or to get something you really want. Dave Ramsey says, “Live like no one else, so later you can live like no one else!” Why work hard when you could just watch TV? Why save for some undetermined future when you could watch it on a bigger TV?

Most successful people have spent thousands of hours perfecting what they do. They have a vision of the future and their place in it. Otherwise they wouldn't have bothered with all the work it took to get there. Yet most successful people would tell you that they loved the process — the challenge, the passion, the fun! They've found a vision of the future that compels and excites them, and that’s the difference. You too must have a vision and a goal on how you will manage and make ends meet in out world today. That is one reason we are where we are today. We did not plan for this future.

In fact, that’s why we all are where we are — our previous beliefs and vision of the future have been shaken. Do what you've always done, and you'll have what you've always had. Create a new vision that moves you to do things you've never done before, and you'll find yourself in new, wonderful places. Once you have a Why, no matter how unlikely, the How becomes a lot easier and more enjoyable and can be done, even today.

What’s your Why? What do you visualize in the morning to get yourself going? What motivates you to do everything you do?

Even though we are faced with choices we never thought we would have to make, the facts are we are having to make hard choices. We need to get clear about how we are going to make ends meet and take care of the seniors who need our help. This begins in our communities. Neighbors helping out neighbors. Our seniors in the community went through the great depression era, without all the toys we as baby boomers have available to us today. Basic needs were met by helping one another out. There is no one out there that has not been hit with the failing economy more than our frail elderly. Program cut backs, life savings lost, the cost of food, housing, and medications. The list goes on and on. We cannot or should not wait on others or our elected officials to tell us the why's and how's. We each have to find our own way. I urge each of you to ask the questions and be clear on what you really need (not want ) to succeed today and for your future. No matter how bleak that future looks. You can do something to make it better for yourself and others. Care Pathways wishes each of you a New Year that is filled with possibilities and hope for your future and for those you care for. I know that we are all stronger and wiser going into this New Year. Take that knowledge and use it to create the best life you can for yourself and others. Offer your time and help to others, And be willing to ask for that help yourself when you need it.

Realize there are no quick fix's. Learn from the wisdom of our seniors on ways that they coped in times of great need. Our seniors are a wealth of information and an untapped source of strength, perseverance and inspiration in this troubled world. They can teach us a thing or two on how to care and help one another.

Blessing to all in 2009

Mary Kay Evans Director Social Service, Care Pathways Senior & Family Care Service

(714) 743-6309 for more information and help