Thoughts at Mid-year

Notes #4:  July 4, 2026

Half of 2026 is done, today.  Wow, how time flies!...

Does this stop you in your tracks, even for a moment?  It does me. Does it bring up, even briefly, thoughts about the passage of time, the fleeting nature of life, and how we’re living ours?...  It does for me, and — I’m grateful for it!  Like an alarm clock, that initially unpleasant sound awakens us up to do something worthwhile.  

I love using calendar milestones to reflect on how I've been using my time, and consider whether there are changes I want to make going forward.  Whether we have jobs and obligations that dictate how we spend our time, or have greater freedom in how we use it, life is busy for most of us.  Keeping active and productive fills our need to feel vital, purposeful and meaningful.  However, it is all too easy to let routine, inertia, and false urgency keep us busy on tracks that don’t necessarily lead to where we want to get.  

We all have but one gift of a life to live (so I believe) and no time to waste.  That is why I appreciate these opportunities, such as mid-year and year-end, to pause and check-in.  To the extent I can, given life’s varied constraints, I want to ensure that I make the best choices I can and use my time wisely.  

There are three questions I ask myself as part of this check-in, which I invite you to ponder for yourself at this opportune time of mid-year.  The first one is: What do I ultimately wish for myself at this point in my life?   I call the answer to this My Ultimate Goal.  Without it, we are sailing rudderless, drifting forward aimlessly.

An ultimate goal does not have to be specific and tangible (though it could be).  It can be a feeling I am after, a desired state of being, or a certain experience. I define an Ultimate Goal as what will make me happiest, most fulfilled, and with the fewest regrets when I look back on my life. Do you know what yours is?  

For me, as a “woman of a certain age” who is focused on fighting inertia, gravity (!), and the natural decline that results in the diminishment of life, my answer to that question is, “ANYTHING THAT INFUSES ME WITH LIFE ENERGY”.   As another example, a friend who I presented that question to, responded with, “ANYTHING THAT BRINGS ME TOWARD DEEP PEACE”.   

With that eye opening Ultimate Goal articulated, I can ask myself the second question:  What are the things and activities that move me closer to my Ultimate Goal when I engage in them?  You most likely know what they are, and have already experienced them.  I found that once I’ve defined my Ultimate Goal, the answer to the question of what could help me get there falls readily into my lap.  

For me, the answer includes quality time with friends and loved ones, personal growth and enrichment, physical strength, and professional activities such as writing and coaching.  When I engage in these, I feel extra connected, energized, purposeful, and full of life!  Having that clarity feels good, as if someone just shone a flashlight onto my trail at night.

The third question (and this is where the rubber meets the road!) is:  Am I spending at least some of my time and energy, on a regular basis, on the things that I know will move me toward my ultimate goal?   This is asked not with an air of judgment or intent to find fault, but as a way to lovingly illuminate an opportunity for course correction, if needed.  It is a tap on the shoulder of a driver that may have nodded off.  It is an act of self care and a gift of love to ourselves.   I am grateful to receive mine.

Having my answers to these important questions does not mean I expect to devote all day every day to this pursuit, even if it is My Ultimate Goal we’re talking about…  But knowing them will help me engage in the things that move me toward a happier life on a regular basis, and weed out some of the activities I know will not get me there.   

What is your greatest wish for yourself, your personal Ultimate Goal? What kinds of things get you closer to it when you engage in them?  I hope these musings get you curious to find out.  I would love to hear about them too, if you are willing to share.

Have a fun and safe holiday weekend everyone,

Orna.

Email: ornalock@gmail.com