Today is New Year's Eve. It's often a time of reflection and review. What did we learn in the past year? What lessons do we carry into the new year? What will we do differently? For what are we thankful? What was the most challenging? From whom did we get help? To what are we looking forward in the new year? If you were to put a word on 2019 (perhaps what you long for in the new year or what you'll work on), what might it be?
My fiancé, two friends and I do this together each New Year's Eve. We reflect on the year past and look ahead to what might be coming or what we hope will be coming in the new year. We each select a word for the new year, writing it on a stone so we'll remember all year long. It's interesting how having that stone in sight increases intention throughout the year.
While I won't be writing blogs in this new year (I need the time I spend writing them to do other writing and sorting projects), I encourage you to sample the archive of my past blogs going back to 2012. I also encourage you to sign up for my monthly ezine if you haven't already. You may sign up to the right of this blog. All you will receive are the initial three free gifts that come in your email inbox and an ezine once a month to your inbox. That's it. Nothing more.
I encourage you to stay hopeful and grounded in this new year. To that end, I leave you with this blessing for now:
The path before me: May I walk it in peace.
The path behind me: May I leave it in peace.
The path within me: O God, may it be peace indeed.
Showing posts with label New Year. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Year. Show all posts
Monday, December 31, 2018
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Exhale—and rest
As you begin a new year, are you starting it with a long to-do list, a list of projects and shoulds? Or have you built in some time for rest and restoration as well? Those don't necessarily have to be in opposition to one another. For example, as one man said, "My wife finds working in the garden restful. I prefer to simply rest in my chair, enjoying the fruits of her labor."
Many people think that rest is for children, old people or the sick. Perhaps you grew up, as I did, with the message that you should not sit and not relax until the work was done. And, of course, since I grew up on a farm, the work never was done!
But here's a thought from 20th century Trappist monk Thomas Merton: "To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects ... is to succumb to violence." And, as many people point out, even God rested after creation activities (see Genesis 2:2). In an Exodus version (31:17), it says, "In six days God made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day God rested and was refreshed." According to pastor, speaker and retreat leader Jane E. Vennard, the Hebrew word usually translated "refreshed" in that Exodus passage literally means "and God exhaled."
That's good for us to remember as we start a whole new year: Breathe in, breathe out. Remember to breathe. Take time to exhale!
Many people think that rest is for children, old people or the sick. Perhaps you grew up, as I did, with the message that you should not sit and not relax until the work was done. And, of course, since I grew up on a farm, the work never was done!
But here's a thought from 20th century Trappist monk Thomas Merton: "To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects ... is to succumb to violence." And, as many people point out, even God rested after creation activities (see Genesis 2:2). In an Exodus version (31:17), it says, "In six days God made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day God rested and was refreshed." According to pastor, speaker and retreat leader Jane E. Vennard, the Hebrew word usually translated "refreshed" in that Exodus passage literally means "and God exhaled."
That's good for us to remember as we start a whole new year: Breathe in, breathe out. Remember to breathe. Take time to exhale!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Life in the rear-view mirror
It's best to spend most of your time living in the present—and, of course, some planning what's coming next. But at this time of year, when we pass from one year into the next, a little time looking in the rear-view mirror is good, too.
Take some time to look back over the past year and ask yourself which events stand out for you. What did you learn from them? How have you been changed by those events and by your response to them? What attitudes and resources do you want to carry forward into this new year? Are there things you need to leave behind? Friends? Old messages? Do you need to leave a job that's just dragging you down to the point that nothing you do to fill yourself up can counteract its negative effects?
This is a good time to look back—and look ahead. It will make the present ever so much better if you've reflected on what has happened and what you learned from it and if you have some intention about what might or should happen and how you will approach it. As always, it's good to plan what's ahead, knowing that things can be changed and you'll need to remain flexible. After all, "life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." Still, it's good to make the plans. But make them in a way that takes into account how you have changed because of last year's events and experiences.
Perhaps you can set aside some time this weekend to do a review of 2012 and anticipate 2013. Once that's done, you can focus more clearly on right now, this moment!
Take some time to look back over the past year and ask yourself which events stand out for you. What did you learn from them? How have you been changed by those events and by your response to them? What attitudes and resources do you want to carry forward into this new year? Are there things you need to leave behind? Friends? Old messages? Do you need to leave a job that's just dragging you down to the point that nothing you do to fill yourself up can counteract its negative effects?
This is a good time to look back—and look ahead. It will make the present ever so much better if you've reflected on what has happened and what you learned from it and if you have some intention about what might or should happen and how you will approach it. As always, it's good to plan what's ahead, knowing that things can be changed and you'll need to remain flexible. After all, "life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." Still, it's good to make the plans. But make them in a way that takes into account how you have changed because of last year's events and experiences.
Perhaps you can set aside some time this weekend to do a review of 2012 and anticipate 2013. Once that's done, you can focus more clearly on right now, this moment!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Are your N.Y. resolutions dead?
Did you make any New Year resolutions this year? Do you still remember them? How are you doing in keeping them?
It’s been two months since you made them—if you did. If you are keeping them, kudos to you!
If you aren’t, I hope you aren’t beating yourself up for that.
Here’s a better idea: Decide whether there are any parts of those resolutions that you still care deeply about. Choose one or two things to make as goals for the coming months. Chunk those goals down into manageable action steps.
Remember, keep it simple. And above all, do not beat yourself up. Guilt and shame aren’t very good motivators. Better to just make S.M.A.R.T. goals about which you really care—things for which you really long.
S.M.A.R.T. goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Be very specific and be very realistic. You don’t want to set yourself up for failure. And be sure these are things you want—not what someone else says you need!
Pin up your action plan in a place where you’ll see it each day. And remember to revise the plan when it doesn’t seem workable. Share your thoughts with us, along with any tips you’ve discovered along the way.
It’s been two months since you made them—if you did. If you are keeping them, kudos to you!
If you aren’t, I hope you aren’t beating yourself up for that.
Here’s a better idea: Decide whether there are any parts of those resolutions that you still care deeply about. Choose one or two things to make as goals for the coming months. Chunk those goals down into manageable action steps.
Remember, keep it simple. And above all, do not beat yourself up. Guilt and shame aren’t very good motivators. Better to just make S.M.A.R.T. goals about which you really care—things for which you really long.
S.M.A.R.T. goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Be very specific and be very realistic. You don’t want to set yourself up for failure. And be sure these are things you want—not what someone else says you need!
Pin up your action plan in a place where you’ll see it each day. And remember to revise the plan when it doesn’t seem workable. Share your thoughts with us, along with any tips you’ve discovered along the way.
Monday, January 23, 2012
What? Ask directions?
What’s on your mind now that you’re nearly one month into a new year? Do you have a hope or intention for this year—or a resolution or two? And how is that working out so far?
If you have a hope, a dream, an intention or resolutions—have you actually made a step-by-step plan to get there?
If not, why not take the time today to do this? When you plan a trip to a new place, you can’t get there without getting directions and making a plan. So it is with an intention.
I don’t need a plan
Men are often teased for not asking directions. In truth, however, many of us are guilty of not creating a plan to get where we want to go.
This is a great time to change that. The year is still new. You still have time to ask what needs to change so you can reach your heart’s desire. What is it you really want for 2012? What will it take to get there?
And how can you break that down into bite-sized and manageable pieces?
Maybe you still have some letting go to do before you can move forward. What do you no longer want? Write it down. What do you want now? Write it down. What one thing can you do to move closer to that goal? Write that down. As you think of more actions to get you to your hope, your dream or goal, add them to your list.
We all need inspiration from others. I invite you to share with us in the comment box what works (and doesn’t) for you.
I’m pulling for you! I’d love to see you attain that for which you most yearn this year!
If you have a hope, a dream, an intention or resolutions—have you actually made a step-by-step plan to get there?
If not, why not take the time today to do this? When you plan a trip to a new place, you can’t get there without getting directions and making a plan. So it is with an intention.
I don’t need a plan
Men are often teased for not asking directions. In truth, however, many of us are guilty of not creating a plan to get where we want to go.
This is a great time to change that. The year is still new. You still have time to ask what needs to change so you can reach your heart’s desire. What is it you really want for 2012? What will it take to get there?
And how can you break that down into bite-sized and manageable pieces?
Maybe you still have some letting go to do before you can move forward. What do you no longer want? Write it down. What do you want now? Write it down. What one thing can you do to move closer to that goal? Write that down. As you think of more actions to get you to your hope, your dream or goal, add them to your list.
We all need inspiration from others. I invite you to share with us in the comment box what works (and doesn’t) for you.
I’m pulling for you! I’d love to see you attain that for which you most yearn this year!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
An alternative to resolutions
Do you make resolutions for the new year? Do you keep them? Some statistics say that 25 percent of people drop their resolutions within the first week of the year—and 36 percent ditch them within the first month. After six months 54 percent have not maintained their resolutions.
Having said that, it’s also true that making resolutions is better than not making them—if you want to reach goals in your life.
Give the year a name
Here’s another alternative: Consider doing an informal review at the end of the year or the start of a new year. Include a look back at the past year to see what was good and not so good. Reflect on the past year’s highlights (and lowlights!) and what you learned from them. Then look ahead to imagine what might happen in the coming year. What would you like to have happen? What manageable goals can you set—and what small steps can you take to get there? Reflect on what strengths and resources you have (include your own skills and strengths and think about family and friends) that you take with you into the year that will help you get what you most want.
Then think about what name you might give to the coming year: a single word or perhaps a short phrase. What word or phrase might you hold in front of you that will energize you and fuel your passion in the coming year?
Two friends and I have done this on New Year’s Eve for 10 years now, and in the past three my fiancé has joined in. We have been amazed at what can happen during the year when we do this.
Prepare for surprises
For example, one year I chose “authentic” as my word. I determined that, in my workplace, I wasn’t going to let the behavior and attitudes of my coworkers determine my actions. I wanted my words and actions to be authentic. Most days I was very conscious of that intention and really did bring my positive thinking into my workplace. That word still lives in me to this day.
Interestingly, at the start of 2009 I chose “break free” as my phrase—intending that I would break free of things that held me back from being all I could be. Little did I know that in October of that year I would be Reduced-In-Force at a workplace I’d been in for 22 years! Further, for my 2010 word I chose “adventure,” again not fully realizing just where that would take me. My adventure turned me onto a career I absolutely love and for which I feel I’ve trained all my life.
What word or phrase might you give to 2012? Try creating one—and wait to see what happens! It just could replace New Year’s resolutions in your life.
Having said that, it’s also true that making resolutions is better than not making them—if you want to reach goals in your life.
Give the year a name
Here’s another alternative: Consider doing an informal review at the end of the year or the start of a new year. Include a look back at the past year to see what was good and not so good. Reflect on the past year’s highlights (and lowlights!) and what you learned from them. Then look ahead to imagine what might happen in the coming year. What would you like to have happen? What manageable goals can you set—and what small steps can you take to get there? Reflect on what strengths and resources you have (include your own skills and strengths and think about family and friends) that you take with you into the year that will help you get what you most want.
Then think about what name you might give to the coming year: a single word or perhaps a short phrase. What word or phrase might you hold in front of you that will energize you and fuel your passion in the coming year?
Two friends and I have done this on New Year’s Eve for 10 years now, and in the past three my fiancé has joined in. We have been amazed at what can happen during the year when we do this.
Prepare for surprises
For example, one year I chose “authentic” as my word. I determined that, in my workplace, I wasn’t going to let the behavior and attitudes of my coworkers determine my actions. I wanted my words and actions to be authentic. Most days I was very conscious of that intention and really did bring my positive thinking into my workplace. That word still lives in me to this day.
Interestingly, at the start of 2009 I chose “break free” as my phrase—intending that I would break free of things that held me back from being all I could be. Little did I know that in October of that year I would be Reduced-In-Force at a workplace I’d been in for 22 years! Further, for my 2010 word I chose “adventure,” again not fully realizing just where that would take me. My adventure turned me onto a career I absolutely love and for which I feel I’ve trained all my life.
What word or phrase might you give to 2012? Try creating one—and wait to see what happens! It just could replace New Year’s resolutions in your life.
Monday, January 2, 2012
It’s your choice
Happy New Year! Don’t you just love opening a new calendar and seeing all the empty spaces in each month—each day beckoning with possibilities? It’s exciting to know I can fill them (or not fill them) as I choose.
Yes, we do have some “musts” that fill those spaces each month. Some of us have 9-to-5 jobs that leave only nights, weekends and vacation days with actual choice involved. We have families to tend and friendships to nurture. We have appointments and commitments to keep. However, some choice is still involved in adding things to our calendar.
How are you choosing to fill your 2012 calendar? Are you doing so with intention? Or are you simply allowing things to fill up? And how do you make your decisions?
Ask questions first
For too many years, I let my calendar fill up with little thought to what gave me life and energy. Will doing this bring more light and life into the world? Will it matter to someone’s life? To mine? Is it something that is really someone else’s task? Or is it something that is mine to do?
So many questions need to be asked before filling your days. Be clear about your goals. Get clear on your desires. Be clear about what tasks are really yours to do—and not someone else’s. Have clarity on how you want to spend your time. We each have 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We each have the same number of days in a month and 365 days in a year. No more, no less.
If you haven’t done so already, why not make a list of what you really want to do with your time. How do you want to spend your days? What are your priorities? Once you have a list of things you want to do and have prioritized it, you can make choices about filling your calendar that really feel like choices. Doesn’t that feel energizing and powerful?
Make intentional choices, starting today. You’ll be so glad you did. And I invite you to share comments with us to tell us how that works for you.
Yes, we do have some “musts” that fill those spaces each month. Some of us have 9-to-5 jobs that leave only nights, weekends and vacation days with actual choice involved. We have families to tend and friendships to nurture. We have appointments and commitments to keep. However, some choice is still involved in adding things to our calendar.
How are you choosing to fill your 2012 calendar? Are you doing so with intention? Or are you simply allowing things to fill up? And how do you make your decisions?
Ask questions first
For too many years, I let my calendar fill up with little thought to what gave me life and energy. Will doing this bring more light and life into the world? Will it matter to someone’s life? To mine? Is it something that is really someone else’s task? Or is it something that is mine to do?
So many questions need to be asked before filling your days. Be clear about your goals. Get clear on your desires. Be clear about what tasks are really yours to do—and not someone else’s. Have clarity on how you want to spend your time. We each have 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We each have the same number of days in a month and 365 days in a year. No more, no less.
If you haven’t done so already, why not make a list of what you really want to do with your time. How do you want to spend your days? What are your priorities? Once you have a list of things you want to do and have prioritized it, you can make choices about filling your calendar that really feel like choices. Doesn’t that feel energizing and powerful?
Make intentional choices, starting today. You’ll be so glad you did. And I invite you to share comments with us to tell us how that works for you.
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