Welcome to Facets - 7
I hope you took the challenge posed in Facets 6 and dared to be Naive*. Have you been learning new things and being adventurous? It takes a fair amount of courage to be prepared to make mistakes and correct your path as you go through life. We run the risk of feeling 'stupid' or looking foolish and being judged by others. I don't know about you but the thought of staying safe and sticking to what I know sounds very limiting to me and I'm not really happy unless I'm giving new things a go. The greater risk could be that we don't ever live our full potential.
Time to Reflect..say thanks...and let go
No matter what the last month has brought you, here we are on the last day of the year; a hot and sultry day if you're in Melbourne, and if you ask me this is the perfect time to take a moment to reflect on the past 12 months and to dig deep into each experience to find the 'gift 'or the lesson, whichever it may be. It's a good time to say thanks for 2010 and to let it go...
So, if you're up for the task of taking one final walk through your last twelve months, please fix yourself a cool and refreshing drink and join me for the last time this year as we take the time to celebrate.
*I must make a correction. I attributed - Dare to be Naive - to Buckys book Critical Path but it was actually in Synergetics, The Geometry of thinking. Even the titles of his books are a mouthful!
Take out some paper and a pen or some coloured textas and -
Now that we've taken the time to mine our experience for the wealth that lays within it we can start afresh for the new year.
Hint of the month
1. Write 5 events that occurred in your life this year that were important in some way
2. Be as specific as possible when recalling what happened & who played a part in these events
3. Reflect on what happened and how you responded to the event. Write about what you noticed.
4. How did you feel? what did you do? what were you telling yourself as things unfolded?
What did others say?
5. Did you respond as you would have liked to respond?
6. If not, how would you have preferred to have responded? What will you change?
7. What did you learn or discover about yourself and others?
8. What are the 4 most important discoveries you made about yourself as a result of this event?
9. How has this event changed how you think about yourself? feel? respond to others?
10. What would you do differently if a similar thing occurred?
11. What would you advise others who were going through similar events?
Congratulate yourself for doing your best with the resources and insights which were available to you.
Thank the event for all that it has taught you about yourself and for the opportunities to grow in experience and wisdom.
Trust that all you need to remember about these events and all they taught you is safely imbedded in your mind and has already shaped your experience and your future responses...
and now...LET IT GO!
Dispose of the paper.
I sometimes throw it in the bin and other times burn it...it depends on how much I'd like to let it go!
What's your theme for 2011?
This is a good time to set in place a theme for the new year. What feelings or experiences do you hope for? It could be a single word - Health - or a statement - Living simply and simply living .
You may find that the experiences from the outgoing year help you to formulate this theme. If you encountered poor health or excess stress you may find yourself contemplating a life of more ease and a heightened sense of wellbeing. It could be Friends or Family or Career.
Find the word or words that connect with your innermost desires...
Quotes to inspire:
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing! - Helen Keller
News:
2011 brings with it some new additions to my regular activities. I'll be launching a Weekly Business Tip and creating a Business Focussed newsletter called Assets for all those clients and colleagues interested in creating and maintaining a healthy and successful business. There will be an area to opt in on my web site Home page and you can also email me directly to be included on the list.
Book & Resource Recommendations:
Outliers- Malcolm Gladwell
You may have noticed this author is a favorite of mine as I'm constantly amazed at his ability to research topics of great interest and to create paradigm shifts with his findings. This book explores and explodes the traditional myths of success and how we come by it. If you're interested in the notion's of 'innate talent' and 'lucky breaks' this could be a good read for you.
I was recently reflecting on the many books that have shaped me in some way throughout my life and have listed some here for your interest with a brief description of why they moved me. I'd love to hear from you with books that had an impact upon you.
My Family & other animals - Gerald Durrell - inspired my interest in travel and discovering other cultures and their weird and wonderful ways.
Hand me Down - Leigh Bonheur - the story of an illegitimate child- a moving description of one person's survival of growing up in incredibly difficult circumstances.
The artist way - Julia Cameron - a 12 week 'course' that helps you rediscover your creativity.Well worth the effort & discipline required.
Kitchen table Wisdom - Dr Rachel Naomi Remen - stories of hope and courage amidst terminal illness. This book endorses the power of sharing our experiences with each other.
Last Word -
No matter what comes our way, the only thing we're really in control of is our response.
Happy New Year and thank you for your continuing support and trust in me.