“A mind committed to compassion is like an overflowing reservoir – a constant source of energy, determination, and kindness.”
–Dalai Lama
These words resonated with me on New Year’s Day as I began to think about my upcoming year as a Student Affairs Professional at The University of Colorado Boulder.
I began to think more about compassion: compassion for myself and compassion for others.
I’ve learned time and time again that, in my experience, it is important to start with yourself before you can begin with others. You must practice self-care and meet your needs before you can support someone else’s completely. You must love yourself before you can appropriately love another. And you must practice self-compassion before you can truly be compassionate towards others.
I plan to wake up each day, believing in myself. I plan to open my heart and my mind. I plan to bring empathy, care, love, kindness, understanding and warmth to every interaction. I plan to meet students where they are at. I plan to support others. I plan to inspire and motivate. I plan to lead by example. I plan to learn from others. Finally, I plan to take action.
I plan to start here, understanding that my goals may change and develop overtime.
I’ll move forward each day, realizing that failure is okay and that I can learn from my mistakes. I will take things one step at a time. I will be mindful. I will never judge. I will listen. I will practice compassion, always.
“Let our hearts and hands be stretched out in compassion toward others, for everyone is walking his or her own difficult path.”
–Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Oh, how I hope I get the chance to cross paths with you.
This post is part of our #OneWordSA series for January. Student affairs professionals are goal-oriented, change positive, individuals. One word mantras for 2017 are a great way to create focus in the new year. Find out what all kinds of pros are choosing as their #onewordSA this year. For more info, please see Sabina’s intro post. Be sure to check out the other posts in this series too!
