This is a guest post by Ted Kuntz. Ted has a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology and more than 25 years of clinical experience. Much of the wisdom that Ted shares in his counselling, workshops, and book didn’t come from his formal training. Rather, it came from his personal journey as the father of a child with disabilities. This journey taught Ted how to make peace with life.

The ending of one year and the beginning of another creates a wonderful opportunity to pause and consider how we might want to live different. I’ve learned that periods of reflection are essential if one wishes to live a healthy and successful life. The Greek philosopher Socrates was even more emphatic about the importance of reflection. He stated, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” In addition to reflecting on how we have lived the previous year, there is value in declaring one’s intentions for the year that is about to unfold. As a student of human behaviour, and an individual who has attempted to live consciously, I’ve learned some things about declaring one’s intentions. I share these ideas for your consideration.

First, when identifying targets for your New Year’s resolutions, use statements that express your highest, heartfelt wish for yourself. Make the inspiration behind your resolution an act of kindness to yourself and others, rather than a punishment, deprivation, or shameful admission that you need to shape up in some way. I’ve learned to ask the question, “What action of mine will do the most good?” This question honours my capacity for choice and leads me in the direction of doing good.

Second, state your resolution in your own words so the declaration is meaningful and true for you rather than an expression of someone else’s thoughts or expectations. Your resolutions are an opportunity for you to exercise your power of creation. You create your life much as an artist creates a work of art on a canvas. Life is more joyful when one creates consciously and intentionally.

Third, focus your resolutions on your actions and perceptions. This is where your true power resides. Many of us mistakenly focus our attention on the behaviours and perceptions of others and become frustrated and discouraged as a result. The most important word in the phrase, “I resolve” is the word “I”.

Finally, your way of ‘being’ in the world is more important than what you ‘do’. In our physical universe there is a tendency to measure success by what one does. Yet, our greatest gift to another is our way of being. Look for guidance in the emotion of love. It is said that ultimately there are only two emotions. Love, and fear. Love is based on trust, respect, dignity, and abundance. Fear is based on mistrust, judgment, righteousness, and scarcity. Remember, you are a human ‘being’, not a human ‘doing’.

In reflecting upon my life during this past year I’ve noticed it is easier for me to be in a place of love and to be an agent of peace when those around me are behaving in kind and peaceful ways. My intention in 2009 is to be an agent of peace even when those around me are angry and agitated; especially when they are angry and agitated. To maintain my joy especially when my children are exercising their capacity for choice and finding their power. To be respectful, especially when the driver in front of me violates rules of courteous driving. To be in harmony, especially when I am under assault from those who are fearful and living in unconscious and reactive ways.

In 2009 I resolve to be peaceful, joyful, and happy and it is my hope that by living in this way I inspire others to a similar path with the result we experience more peace in this world.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful New Year.

Ted Kuntz

FYI…..We will be posting a past Path 2 Excellence (P2E) teleconference with Ted Kuntz.. to download these speakers, you just need to sign up for the RRS feed.

Ted’s passion is to create new stories, and through these stories change the way we see ourselves and others. Ted is a regular contributor to local and national publications and is regularly invited to present his seminars and keynote addresses to a wide range of audiences - from social service organizations to the corporate world.

www.peacebeginswithme.ca