Tabula rasa is a Latin phrase meaning “scraped tablet” or “clean slate.”
Noted philosopher John Locke wrote “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding,” which was published in 1689. In the essay, Locke said the human mind is a tabula rasa at birth because we haven’t experienced anything. As time progresses, however, our experiences shape who we are.
While I certainly agree with Locke’s theory, I also like to use tabula rasa when I think of new beginnings; be it new seasons or experiences in my life, or even the start of a new year.
Now that 2010 is officially underway, our slates are clean and we can start anew. This year, you can be whoever you want to be and you can do whatever you desire (within the context of the law, that is).
My point is this: intention creates reality. That is something that I always say to myself – intention creates reality. I strongly believe that you can change who you are by changing what you do. Sometimes we’re resistant to change, but oftentimes, change is the very thing we need to progress to the next level.
Is change easy? No.
Can it be done? Yes.
Will it have positive results? Sometimes, but even if it doesn’t at least you have the benefit of knowing what works for you and what doesn’t.
In our quest for success, fulfillment and satisfaction we have to step out of the box and alter our way of thinking. Now is as good of a time as any.
We haven’t only embarked on a new year, but also a new decade – now is a great time to reassess our lives, set goals, implement a plan of action and wait for the evolution.
In my personal reassessments over the years, I’ve learned the importance of looking at my life objectively and setting realistic goals. I’ve also realized the need to make lifestyle changes rather than set New Year’s resolutions. For me, setting resolutions and accomplishing them were difficult because I never seemed to have a plan and three months later I’d notice that not only were my resolutions not complete, but they weren’t even initiated.
As a result, I’ve made the conscious decision to make lifestyle changes because the implementation process starts right away and resumes day after day, making my chances of achieving my goals more realistic.
As I begin the first of the many self analysis’s I’ll go through within the next 12 months, I encourage you to do the same. Look at your life and define the areas you’d like to change.
In 2009 did you spend entirely too much money on dining out? If so, begin your lifestyle change by going to the grocery store and purchase items that will allow you to make complete, healthy meals.
Did you work so hard last year that you were rarely able to visit friends and families? If the answer is yes, reorganize your weekly or monthly routines by developing a schedule that allows you time for leisure activities.
Have you lost the “umph” you used to have when going to work everyday? Perhaps you need to set new goals for yourself at work or attempt to find employment at a place that will be more fulfilling.
Did a bad break-up leave you despondent and untrusting? Maybe you need to thank God for the time spent and the lessons learned, then get excited about the future possibilities he has in store for you.
If you have no complaints and 2009 was a great year for you, be grateful for the blessings and share the joy by blessing others.
No matter what you did previously, scrape your tablet clear and begin anew. Remember 2010 is a tabula rasa; make it your best year yet!
