“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” – George Bernard Shaw. This resonates deeply as we embark on our journeys of personal transformation. Many yearn for a life filled with purpose, happiness, and balance, yet such aspirations often feel distant. However, I assure you, it is entirely within reach by the grace of God. By delving deeper into understanding ourselves and the will of God, we can uncover the fulfilling lives we all seek.
As we step into the third week of January 2025, I feel compelled to share my learning on the Wheel of Life—a concept that has been transformative for me since 2013. The Wheel of Life serves as a visual tool that outlines various dimensions of our existence, such as relationships, work, health, wealth, education, social contribution and spirituality. It provides a holistic perspective on how balanced our lives are and creates an opportunity for introspection and growth. By identifying where we currently stand, we can discern the gaps that exist and initiate a journey toward fulfilment.
This year, why not consider using the Wheel of Life to reflect on your beliefs and faith? For me, my wheel is centred around God’s values. This principle acts as my guiding compass. Every decision and choice I make is filtered through this divine lens. Using this framework wisely, we can cultivate a life that not only aligns with our personal goals but also uplifts our spirits and nurtures our souls. Each segment symbolizes a crucial area that contributes to our overall quality of life. Imagine looking at your life as a pie chart — how full is each slice? If one piece is disproportionately large, the others are getting neglected, resulting in an imbalance.
Philosophically speaking, the Wheel of Life invites us to reflect on how our lives align with our values and purpose. It’s a visual and practical tool that encourages introspection. As we engage in this pursuit of understanding ourselves better, we realize that balance does not equate to perfection. Instead, it is about recognizing where we are and where we want to go, aligning our actions with our intentions.
At the heart of the Wheel of Life lies a profound philosophical inquiry: What does it mean to live a good life? Each of us has answers to this question, shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and aspirations. The Wheel of Life encourages us to articulate these dimensions of our existence, prompting us to contemplate what truly makes us happy and fulfilled.
When we fill out our Wheel of Life, we embark on a reflective journey that can unveil the discrepancies between our current reality and our ideal life. The philosophical self-examination encourages growth and the pursuit of a well-rounded existence.
To achieve success through the Wheel of Life requires a clear understanding of where we currently stand. We begin with self-awareness—assessing our satisfaction levels across different life domains. We ask where we are thriving and where we feel we’re lacking. This self-reflection often highlights gaps that we may have overlooked in our busyness. Once these gaps are identified, we can employ the RPM method, one that I learned from Antony Robins, to come up with an oriented, Purpose-driven, and Massive Action Plan. This approach allows us to not only clarify our goals but also to devise actionable steps that resonate with our values.
The quest for a life rich in purpose and balance is profoundly significant for our mental and emotional well-being. A focused pursuit can reduce anxiousness and increase overall happiness. Imagine waking up each day with a sense of direction, fuelled by a mission that aligns with your beliefs, knowing that every action you take contributes to your defined purpose.
As I reflect on my journey, I recognise that this quest for balance and purpose is deeply personal and unique for everyone. In challenging times, it’s crucial to hold onto our faith, be it in God or the values that resonate with us, to guide us through life’s unpredictable scenarios. In moments of doubt, I often find strength in the idea that my life’s path serves a grander purpose, intricately designed by our Almighty God.
In conclusion, the Wheel of Life is much more than a tool; it’s a philosophical framework that encourages us to examine the vast landscape of our lives. By exploring each segment and balancing our focus, we open ourselves to meaningful self-discovery and personal growth. It provides a practical roadmap for navigating the complexities of existence, inviting us to define what it truly means to live a fulfilling, purposeful life.
And not forgetting, life, as we experience it, is a series of ebbs and flows, much like the changing seasons. For everything, there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven. – Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV). The wisdom encapsulated in Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that everything has its designated time, suggesting that life is not a stagnant journey but a dynamic cycle that plays out in its rhythm.
Ultimately, life is about embracing these seasons, and navigating the highs and lows while maintaining balance. By acknowledging that “there is a time for every matter,” we grant ourselves permission to step back, recalibrate, and ensure our wheel turns smoothly. Purpose doesn’t come from relentless progression, but from knowing when to plant seeds, when to nurture, and when to allow the garden of our lives to rest and regenerate. With God’s grace, as we blend balance and purpose, we can wholeheartedly embrace and deeply relish the intricate tapestry of life. This tapestry, filled with rich colours and textures, is a gift from God for us to cherish.
So, as we spin our wheels and journey through life, let’s take a moment to pause and ponder more and ask… What is my purpose? Is my primary purpose higher than my other purposes? How balanced is my Wheel of Life? What segments need more attention? Embrace the introspection, act, and watch how the simple decision to engage with this tool can transform your life. Balance is a dynamic process and understanding ourselves is the key to driving our lives in the direction we desire.
Ultimately, my wish for you, dear reader, is to see the Wheel of Life not just as a tool but as a channel for empowerment. It can be a catalyst for profound change when approached with sincerity and humility as life’s journey is about exploration and growth, understanding that balance and purpose are not destinations but continuous paths we tread. Let’s embrace the power of the Wheel of Life and witness and feel as it helps you manifest the good life you are longing for, enabling you to design a legacy rooted in love and fully living, in faith and fulfilment.
I am very much looking forward to our next sharing, exploring our Emotional Sense. By tuning into our feelings, we enhance empathy and enrich relationships. Let’s journey together next week, embracing our emotions to improve our well-being and foster deeper connections. Let us stay connected for insights as we unlock our power of Emotional Sense. Here’s to an enriching journey ahead!
QUOTE:
‘The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.’ – Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965). He was a distinguished German and French polymath hailing from Alsace. He excelled in various fields, including theology, music, literature, humanitarian work, philosophy, and medicine. In his capacity as a Lutheran minister, Schweitzer posed a challenge to both the secular interpretation of the historical Jesus, as advocated by the prevailing historical-critical method of his time, and the conventional Christian perspective.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
