The To Be List

Over the last couple of days, a new path has been revealing itself to me. I have learned that, often, new paths aren’t entirely unfamiliar or unknown. Instead, they are shifts in our perception and depth of understanding of an existing path. The path has always been there, but we see it for the first time through a different lens.

For me, this realization is about writing. I’ve been meaning to share my writings for many years, as I’ve had thoughts and ideas simmering in my mind—thoughts, ideas, and reflections I’ve wanted to share. Today, I am taking a leap forward, letting go of the fear that has held me back—the fear of sharing my writings and thoughts publicly.

This decision isn’t because today happens to be the first day of a new year. In fact, I no longer believe in the concept of New Year’s resolutions. I feel we should have the ability to set goals and resolutions every day, rather than waiting for a specific time of year. I believe that “Every day is a gift” we receive anew each morning. Nevertheless, if there’s something we can do on this New Year’s Day, it is to open ourselves to a new idea or a new way of looking at things. Let’s set aside all the to-dos, goals, and aspirational activities for a moment and focus on something different: To Be.

As a society, we’ve become consumed by our list of to-dos and activities. If we’re not constantly busy, we feel lost. We are, quite literally, "lost in action." Acting, doing, and being perpetually busy have become badges of honor—the hallmarks of our highest values. Even worse, when we don’t act or accomplish something, we judge ourselves and others harshly. We define and value ourselves only by our actions.

However, there is another way of living—of being—that we desperately need to explore. Beyond our complicated or simplified tools of productivity, we need to introduce another short and simple list: a To Be list. Let’s pause, reflect, and, with full awareness, ask ourselves: How do I want to be? Who do I want to be?

We need to recognize that our state of being and its quality can exist independently of our actions. Instead, let our actions stem from our being, rather than the other way around. In fact, actions initiated from our desired state of being provide the simplest path to achieving a state of "flow." Such actions become a source of energy for us, rather than a drain on it.

So, I invite you to take a few moments on this New Year’s Day and ask yourself: How do I want to be? Happy? Peaceful? Kind? Loving? Helpful? Or Who do I want to be? A good parent? A good partner? A good friend? A good colleague? A good human being? Know that such states of being are accessible to you in any moment—you don’t have to do anything to attain them. All you need to do is to quiet the constant barrage of to-dos, even for just a moment, and intentionally be how you want to be. Let your actions flow from that state of being.

This morning, when I sat down at my computer, I had no idea I would write this article. Instead, I focused on a state of being—fulfilled. From that state, I was naturally drawn to open a blank document and start typing. I’m still not entirely sure how I’ll share this writing, but I know someone is destined to read it and be touched by it.

Happy New Year and Be blessed!