VITALS Check

 

 

This week I was challenged to journal on my VITALS (for more information see: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/changepower/201603/know-yourself-6-specific-ways-know-who-you-are ). VITALS stands for V=Values, I=Interests, T=Temperment, A=Around the Clock, L=Life Mission and Meaningful Goals, S=Strengths. “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” a quote often attributed to Socrates, this is the basis of this exercise and the above article.

I’ll start with “L”. A year ago I was battling a major bout of depression; bad enough that I had to go on medication. This also ties in with “A”. I realized that I’ve had SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) my entire life, but have been able to cope with it more or less successfully, ie, without medication up until last year, when other stressors pushed me to the breaking point. This year I’ve had the luxury of being able to immerse myself in self-actualization in a number of ways. I left a job that was contributing to my depression; as a result, I’ve had the time and emotional freedom to focus on some of my other VITALS. I’ve worked with a coach, exploring my dreams (“V” & “I” & “S”) and how those dreams can lead to a life mission and/or meaningful goals (“L”). I’ve had the freedom to work when (“A”) and how (“T”) I choose. I’ve learned that I am most passionate about learning and as result of that passion, I enjoy teaching others things that I’ve learned.

My VITALS check for this week:

V – I enjoyed a multi-generational, lunch with relatives from both my father’s and mother’s families.

I – immersed in learning about a new concept.

T – definitely a week of “flying by the seat of my pants” outside my comfort zone.

A – time change always throws me off kilter for a couple of weeks and I struggle until the solstice.

L – continue working toward reaching goals set throughout this year of discovery

S – curiosity, resilience, growth