If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself. If you want to eliminate the suffering in the world, then eliminate all that is dark and negative in yourself. Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation.   
                                                                                                                                  - Lao Tzu

And so, given all of the above, it would seem that our mission in this lifetime is simply to become the best version of our self that we can possibly become. Anything else, anything less, would be a disappointment for our very soul, and possibly (not to make too fine a point) a waste of, literally, the opportunity of a lifetime.

What would it look like, this ‘best-version-of-myself’?   First, of course, I must know my self. 

Self-discovery is not a journey that many of us put on the front burner, especially in the first half of our lifetime. And yet, in the grand scheme of things, what could be more important? That, in fact, is what we have been placed on this planet to explore.

Know thyself! The letters of this aphorism are engraved on the ancient temple of Apollo at Delphi. (I once ran my fingers over them.)

“He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened.” – another hint from life coach, Lao Tzu.

The best version of one’s self is the gold here.  Not the second best.  Not the version of your mother. Or father. Or teacher. Or super hero, sister, brother or friend. YOU were sent here with unique gifts to share with the world. You are the original, and as we know, the original is worth twice the copy.

Life is about choices. What if we just said yes to what makes us the best version and no to anything else? We do instinctively know the difference. We know it as ‘following our bliss’. It’s our ‘hero’s journey’.   Anything less is unworthy of us.

The venerable Lao Tzu suggests, as a start, “eliminate all that is dark and negative in yourself”. What better transformational goal to take us into the New Year on this rapidly ascending Earth?

The following three practices may give some direction in reaching that goal:

We will show kindness and respect towards ourselves and others whenever possible. And it's always possible; because everyone we meet is fighting a battle we may know nothing about.

We will seek to be wise in our decisions, listening deeply to ourselves and others, and balancing our heads, hearts and intuitions in a harmony that feels right.

We will regularly reflect on what we're grateful for, because it brings perspective, dissolves negativity, and grounds us in what's most important. 

Here’s to the best version of you and me in 2017! And may you know the joy that it brings.  Anything less is just too small.