For every beginning, there is an end ---which ushers in the next beginning.
We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.
Edith Lovejoy Pierce
In what seems like ‘a blink’, the season of Christmas is over. Within a short week, we welcome a New Year and so another chapter in our lives begin.
If you’re like me, as a mom you exist in the micro mode most days busily moving from one task to the next, missing and glazing over significant matters that you don’t have time to tackle in the busy.
However, as we turn over the page to a new year here's an opportunity to look through “macro mode” and ponder the year just past, taking note of the highlights and the learning. It’s all part of asking yourself ”How am I doing?”
How will you continue making progress in the areas that are important to you? What would you like to continue to build on so you remain at your best for the people we care and model for?
But here’s the thing: be gentle with yourself. Progress is
offen hard. Put on your specs of curiosity, observe yourselves with the intention of moving forward.
On the eve of a New Year find the space to take an intentional step back reflecting on the past year’s successes, achievements, and learnings --- all before jumping into our New Year goal setting or resolutions. Be alert, you may be inclined to brush off or minimize thoughts that come to mind. I challenge you to notice and pay attention to your reflections; don’t overlook what comes up in your mind. And here's the second thing: sometimes the smallest things hold the greatest value that we might overlook or dismiss in their smallness because they're just that; small, when in fact we ought to pause and acknowledge them. Pay them honour, respect and celebrate these tiny moments as you move forward building on those moments or building new ones in this next year as you continue to make room in your soul for the upcoming years progress.
For last year's words belong to last year's language And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning." T.S. Eliot
I’ve got a list of questions that will help you with this. Grab your favourite hot drink, a pen, and a comfy space to relax and reflect. Perhaps chat over the answers with your family or friends.
Questions to ponder in your review of 2019.
1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
3. What was an unexpected obstacle?
4. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally? spiritually? physically?
5. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?
6. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
7. How do the above questions all direct you forward in your continued progress?
Now consider what learnings you might take into 2020!
Happy Eve of a New Year everyone.