Four self-reflective inquiries: We should ask ourselves

I took some time to articulate my goals for the year and render them into a visual representation on a vision board. I tried to be rooted in reality, with a focus on setting attainable objectives. While acknowledging that certain goals may extend beyond this year’s timeline, I believe each will be achieved in due time. To shape this year into a profound journey of self-reflection and inner growth, it becomes essential for me to explore and answer the following four questions:

I’m confident that I’ll one day set foot in the homeland of Van Gogh and view his masterpieces as well as the Anne Frank museum.

1. What or who makes me alive?
2. What accomplishments do I hold in high regard, fostering a sense of pride within me?
3. What causes feelings of discontent or sadness within me?
4. How do I provide steadfast support and nurture my own well-being?

Let’s unveil the vibrant forces that not only make my heart dance with life but also cradle me in a comforting embrace, and the things that plunge me into the pool of sadness.

Moments that saturate my soul with profound gratitude and an ineffable amount of love and joy.

1. Being with the people I adore the most in this world — my siblings and my family.
2. Pour out my heart and feelings in writing.
3. Relax and savor the exquisite flavors of high-quality tea and coffee.
4. Being in the incredibly beautiful wilderness, hiking in the mountains.
5. Fully engulfed in a captivating book.
6. Indulging in music that alters my mood without sinking me into deep melancholy.
7. Watching heartfelt, warming, touching films.
8. Tasting delicious puff pastries and gelato — thinking about this, I’m not working in the wrong place at all.
9. Ballet, however I’m not currently practicing. That’s why I put it on the vision board.
10. Cooking fine meals for my loved ones is one of my love languages.
11. To be surrounded by people and in a place that fosters authenticity.
12. Exploring a land I’ve never been before.

What am I proud of?

1. I’m proud of my journey of stepping out of my comfort zone over the last three years.
2. Being the oldest of my siblings, I’m blessed to have a younger sister who is my little me.
3. Defined value to life and goals, and trying to shape my life accordingly.
4. Keep persistent in my pursuit and the objectives I’ve set.
5. Heart to dedicate my best efforts and the entirety of my love to a special someone I’ll marry.
6. At least once, I was reckless, wild and dared to make an impulsive decision, which I’m glad I did.
7. Courage to embrace my authenticity and perceive the inherent goodness in people.
8. Cultivating a heart and mind filled with love, curiosity and compassion.

Moments I sidestepped and flaws in my character that require attention and development. What experience or mistake made me feel bad and sorrowful?

1. The presence of anxiety and depersonalization hinders my capacity to wholeheartedly embrace and indulge in positive experiences.
2. I find it challenging to assert myself and defend against violations, exploitation, and being taken advantage of, particularly when they occur. I should change this narrative and develop the courage to stand up and assertively fight for my rights.
3. Insufficient self-love, courage, and confidence in my own capabilities.
4. Often, I find myself fading into melancholic and gloomy states, diminishing my ability to perceive the brightness in both my own life and the lives of others.
5. Struggling to embody a cheerful and lighthearted demeanor.
6. Always entangled in unrequited love, pouring my heart into someone who cannot reciprocate my affections, leaving me emotionally parched.
7. Can’t overcome and leave behind the weight of negative past experiences or learn from them. If I’ve learned enough, it’s time to break this pattern and start from scratch.

How do I provide steadfast support and nurture my own well-being? Steps to break my old way of behaving and patterns

1. Break the habit of daydreaming about a person who is no longer present in my life.
2. Pour my utmost effort into being in the present, acknowledging and embracing not only the melancholy but also the inherent beauty that unfolds in each moment.
3. Cultivating a positive mindset and envisioning a bright future for myself.
4. Learn and nurture new skills and hobbies.
5. To become astute in financial matters, initiate research on methods to generate passive income and start making well-informed decisions.
6. To change my current sedentary lifestyle to an active and physically engaging routine. Be an active ballet practitioner.
7. Embrace the pace of your personal growth journey, avoiding haste; yet, maintain an unwavering eye for opportunities to flourish along the way.
8. To cultivate daily gratitude and engage in mindful meditation, savoring each moment of joy and peace through wholeheartedly immersing myself in activities I cherish.

I’m convinced that compiling my answers will contribute to my evolution into a better version of myself this year. The key lies in retaining awareness of my written aspirations and diligently working towards the goals I have set this year. In the years to come, it would be a great source to reflect on my accomplishments, drawing comparisons between what I achieve and the aspirations I’ve written in this post.