Monthly Archives: December 2010

Saying Goodbye to 2010, Welcoming 2011!

Are you excited about ringing in 2011? I know I am! I always feel like it’s a time filled with possibility and wonder. On the cusp of a new year, it seems that anything is possible whether you change your hairstyle, your address or your entire life.

That said, I’m not much for resolutions. I prefer to re-evaluate regularly throughout the year. Yet I feel that every year deserves an appropriate ending. A bit of retrospection. A “mini-review,” if you will.

I have a list of questions that were given to me years ago, but I don’t know who authored them. All I know is that my creativity partner Liz and I look forward to doing them every year. It’s an opportunity to look back at the past year and look ahead to the next 12 months.

Life Isn’t a Dress Rehearsal
I’m a goal-oriented person. I like having something to get me out of bed each morning. I enjoy allowing my creative juices to flow without limits or boundaries. It’s in these moments of daydreaming that I discover the true desires of my heart:  What’s important to me, what intrigues me, what I’m passionate about and more.

I don’t understand people who don’t set goals, large or small. These folks have a tendency to play victim to their circumstances and use excuses like “I’m too busy,” “My kids keep me running,” “Work is crazy right now,” etc.

But circumstances shouldn’t be running the show, should they? Life is a series of choices that are made moment-by-moment. Why not let 2011 be your year to choose differently? Get out of your comfort zone. Take a little “me time.” Consider, ponder and even wrestle with the thoughts, ideas and daydreams floating around in your head. That way, you can define the things that are important to you and get a plan for achieving them.

You can download and complete these questions, or use the method or tool that works best for you. The main thing is that you take your first step toward a more satisfying, more fulfilling life.

I wish you a refreshing, productive and successful 2011, whether you’re taking baby steps or big steps in your journey. Have a blessed and Happy New Year!

Respect the Season of Life You’re In

‘Tis the season for parties and receptions and open houses. This past week, my calendar was bulging at the seams from several business-related events. At this time of year, folks enjoy getting together with colleagues, co-workers, clients and friends to ring in the season with a flair and a flourish.

As I was looking at my schedule in November, I had an “Aha” moment. I wanted to schedule in a few performances with ComedySportz, a comedy group offering family-friendly improvisation (I’m a member of the resident troupe). I was frustrated as I tried to fit everything in. Then I had a moment of clarity as I thought, “You need to respect this season of life .” So I let go of the scheduling and took a deep breath.

You see, I learned a long time ago that life — like everything else — has its own ebb and flow. We’ve all experienced it:  You may be crazy busy with work or family stuff for a few months then, at last, you have a quiet moment to catch your breath. After the busyness, you probably appreciated the breather more than normal, didn’t you?

I’ve been working my buns off since January. I’m so blessed and so thankful for the abundance of work, especially after a painfully slow 2009. But with that overwhelming amount of work came few, if any, moments to relax.

Now that we’re nearing the end of the year, workload is slowing. I have time to get my paperwork done and prepare for 2011. I have time to reignite my marketing efforts with an eLearning course. I even have time to socialize, reflect on the meaning of Christmas, and relax.

“Respecting your season of life” doesn’t mean you’re permanently shunning or pushing away people or activities you enjoy. It simply means being mindful of your ebb and flow. Respecting and honoring others starts with respecting and honoring yourself.

So while I love performing improv and making people laugh, I have to respect this season of life — my ebb — and know that letting go of a few activities now means I’ll be refreshed and back in the flow again in January!

What about you? Have you ever struggled to let go of commitments so you could respect the season of life you were in? How did you feel once it was done? Happy? Regretful? Relieved?