By Dr. Mindi Miller-Jentes
Have you ever looked back over the past decade and thought, “WOW! How did I get here?” Reflecting on wins and setbacks can truly transform your life — especially when you put a plan into motion!
Consider how the cost of everyday items like milk, bread, eggs and gas has changed in Johnston County over the past 10 years. Ten years ago, milk was about $3.31 per gallon, white bread cost $1.40, a dozen eggs were $2.55 and gasoline was $2.57 per gallon, below the national average of $2.74.
In music, “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth topped the charts as a heartfelt tribute to actor Paul Walker. Meanwhile, “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars dominated with its infectious rhythm.
In May 2015, box office hits included “The Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Pitch Perfect 2,” “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “Tomorrowland.” These films expanded the Marvel Universe, made a cappella music popular again, and reignited interest in Disney’s vision for a better tomorrow.
While exploring the cultural landscape of 2015 is interesting, reflecting on your personal growth, relationships, career and values can provide valuable insights. You might be surprised by how different your life is today.
One practice I’ve found helpful is journaling. It allows me to process my thoughts and emotions and reflect on how I’ve changed over the years. I encourage you to start journaling too — it can be a rewarding experience!
The following are some questions you can use to launch your first journal entry and guide your time of reflection:
1. Who was I in 2015? What did I believe about myself and the world at that time?
2. What have been the most defining moments in the past decade? What were my victories and challenges that I overcame?
3. In what ways have I grown emotionally, mentally and spiritually?
4. What relationships have changed? Have I become a better friend, partner, family member or mentor over the years? Who did I let go of and who have I welcomed into my life and why?
5. Where was I in my career a decade ago? What major risks or decisions did I make professionally?
6. Do I feel more aligned with my purpose or calling today than I did back then?
7. How has my physical, mental and emotional health changed over the past decade? What habits have I stopped or started that have made the biggest impact in my well-being?
8. Have my core beliefs and values shifted since a decade ago? How has this impacted my faith?
9. Where have I seen faith and hope grow in my life for the past 10 years?
Unlock the Future
Regardless of our age, we all have goals and dreams for the next chapter of our lives. Perhaps you haven’t taken the time to think about this much because you’re just trying to get by each day. Maybe you have ambitious dreams and goals, but you wonder if you will accomplish them in the time you have left. One important truth to remember is, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18.)
As you set aspirations for the future, consider these questions:
1. What lessons from the past 10 years do I want to carry into the next decade?
2. What challenges am I facing now that I would like to overcome in the coming years?
3. What areas of my faith, hope and love do I want to grow?
4. What do I want my life to look like in 2035?
5. What grand visions and dreams do I want to accomplish in 10 years?
6. Who is someone in my life that could be a positive mentor to help me achieve my goals?
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” (Proverbs 20:18).
As you close out your journal entry, I encourage you to set aside regular time each week to reflect on the past and contemplate all that the future holds. Seek out mentors, allocate resources and develop a systematic plan to help you achieve your dreams!
Dr. Mindi Miller-Jentes is a board-certified chiropractic physician in Selma, author, watercolorist and speaker.
