Clear sightedness – I would say 20:20 vision but 2020 now makes us think of other things that perhaps were not possessed of clear sight.
It is important for us all to maintain metaphorical clear sight. A vision to see exactly what we want to achieve – not just tomorrow, next week, next month; but instead to think a whole year , or even five or ten years ahead. I remember as quite a new teacher, my Headteacher at the time asking about what my long term goals were, not just for the school, but for myself. And to be perfectly honest, I had never thought beyond a year. Not that I lacked ambition but didn’t really know how to visualise it and make it happen. I didn’t signpost my way into my future. In hindsight ( which really does give us clear vision doesn’t it?) I regret not having been given this tool much earlier. The ability to look forward and plan gives us hope and promise for what the future may bring and helps us to find the path to get there.
Whilst I think it is important to treasure the present and value our day by day experiences, living in the moment and simply accepting the future as it happens to us leads to a “done to” and passive life. We need the embolden ourselves to fashion the future that we want, not be scared to look ahead and embrace what excitements it may hold.
Having clear vision means that we would not wear blinkers, we can, and need, to see what is happening on all sides because we do not want to be so set in our ways that we miss opportunities. We should also recognise that when things seem blurry it helps to rub our eyes and wipe away things that obscure our vision. Things that may make our own forward vision blurred can be the thoughts, opinions and limitations of others, clouding our own determination and distracting us from our path.
Be brave when following your own vision. It isn’t easy. Sometimes we find it hard to look ahead, we may be afraid, nervous of the unknown and we may feel uncertain. We may lack self-confidence and doubt our ability to face the challenges that will certainly come our way. In fact, as we look to challenges and opportunities ahead, it might feel as if we don’t have clear vision; and that we need glasses ( and not necessarily those filled with wine)!
If only we had a pair of magic spectacles to give us clarity and foresight, but sadly, they don’t exist. And, if we knew what was coming it would spoil the surprise! There is help though, there are other pairs of eyes to help you look at the way ahead, and they may help you to see more clearly – friends, family, colleagues, they will always be on hand to talk, to listen and to offer advice. However, whilst it is always important to seek sage counsel from family, friends and colleagues, it is worth remembering that they may also have their own agenda that does not match our own. Also, if we have faith we can also pray, and ask for strength and guidance for the time ahead.
So, grasp the earliest opportunity, wipe the blurriness away from your eyes and take control of your future by planning ahead. Draw your personal map to the future, set goals, and give yourself signposts so that you can see your way clearly.
Take a moment to listen to Jimmy Cliff, “I can see Clearly now”
Give yourself the gift of clarity of vision .
“A goal gives you the lens to see the future with a clearer vision”
J R Rim
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