Last week was my 42nd birthday. I always find birthdays a great time to reflect and dream. A few years ago, I began a new habit of having themes for the coming year. My process for this is a bit unrefined, but it works for me. For a few weeks before my birthday, I pay attention to what is taking energy away from me and to what is feeding my energy and I let that just sort of simmer a little until suddenly a relevant theme for the coming year emerges (I said it was an unrefined process!).

This year what surfaced for me is that there is a pretty big divide between things I have wanted in the past and where I am going in my future. My theme for this year is “Stepping out of the shadows of the past.” It is becoming apparent that some of the old dreams of my past are no longer relevant or desired. I think one of the hardest things to do is to let go of an old dream – even when we know that dream is no longer ours. To let go of an old dream is to say goodbye to a part of ourselves, or perhaps more correctly, a part of who we used to be. However, to move towards what it is we desire for the future, we need to be able to part ways with our past on friendly terms. Never burning the bridge behind us or forgetting where we came from or what we learned, but being okay with who we are becoming and where we are going. Maybe another way of saying this is simply giving ourselves permission to grow in new – and perhaps unexpected – ways.

I've heard different people talk about our past being our anchor which keeps us balanced and safe. I'm not sure that I agree. I think an anchor keeps us locked into place. I think of my past – all that I have learned and experienced and dreamed and lost and forgiven – not as an anchor holding me captive but as the keel of a boat which allows me to stay afloat and balanced and able to withstand both calm seas and turbulent waters alike. It gives me strength and courage and confidence. I look forward to where I might venture in 2008.

For the next two weeks pay attention to what depletes your energy and causes anxiety. Also tune into what excites you and taps into your passion and enthusiasm. What could be your theme for 2008?

To Your Success,

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