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The year 2021 is drawing to a close. Hence, it is a perfect time for looking back and reminiscing, as well as looking forward. I was recently asked what I’m most looking forward to in the new year. That appears to be a straightforward question. And yet, I felt compelled to consider it. Today’s episode is about what I discovered. On the other hand, what are some of your hopes for the coming year? What are you eagerly awaiting? Whatever they are, I wish you the finest year of your life in 2022. Also, I hope that you will rise and thrive no matter what.
Whitespace and Margin - Block the time on your calendar for everything you want to get done.
Exploration - What new narratives do you wish to write? Whom do you aspire to be next? How do you wish to develop? Those are fascinating inquiries. Although you may not have clear and sound answers to them yet, you are at least asking some pertinent questions.
Being - Spend significantly more time simply being present in the moment.
Peace - Peace is fully embodied by the sentence "I am sufficient." Believe me, that is an accurate and comprehensive sentence.
Self-care - Have time for your life. Give yourself the type of grace you need in your own life.
2021 is coming to a close and it’s a natural time for looking back and reflecting and looking forward as well. I was recently asked by my coach: what am I most looking forward to in the New Year?
Seems like a simple question and yet, I really had to think about it.
Here’s what I landed on: whitespace and margin.
For the last 10 plus years I’ve been so busy with work and travelling (and then remote work once COVID hit), that I’ve almost forgotten how to just be present and enjoy the life. The lack of margin has been stifling.
You know what one of my reoccurring nightmares is? That a client is trying to schedule time with me and I’m looking weeks and weeks ahead on my calendar and I can’t find an open spot. I literally have nightmares about this.
Right before Thanksgiving I made a decision relative to work that was difficult. I’m a loyal person and I’ve been blessed to partner with a company that I have loved. I love the people there; they are like family to me. And, it was time for me to let go so that I could create the space to contribute in new and different ways. I’m not 100% sure what that will look like, but we’ll figure it out.
Here are some key words for me in the coming year: whitespace, exploration, being, peace and self-care
Let’s break those down a bit:
Whitespace and margin: Nothing happens without these. There is probably no bigger priority for me right now than these two things.
Exploration: As I’m entering a new book in the series of my life, what do I want to carry forward? What, if anything, has outlived its usefulness? What new stories do I want to create? Who do I want to become next? How do I want to grow?
Being: I want to spend a lot more time just truly being present in the moment. If I’m out for a walk with the dogs, then I want to be present with the dogs and with nature. When I’m skiing or biking, I’m skiing or biking; not worrying about how many emails I will have to answer when I get back.
Peace: Really living in the words that I am enough. That’s a complete and full sentence. I had an odd dream the other night and while I don’t remember all of it, I remember thinking: I am not a problem to be solved or fixed. We say that all the time in coaching: the coachee is not a problem to be fixed. The coachee might have problems that THEY wish to work on, but they are enough as is.
Self-care: What I’ve come to realize as I’ve been transitioning off the treadmill/merry-go-round is that while I am really good at taking care of my health, I don’t know how great of a job I’ve done at taking care of my spirit and soul. The other day, I woke up early and I was fixing myself a latte. The house was peaceful, it was still dark outside and there was utter stillness as I could see the moon gently reflecting off of the snow covered pines outside my window, which was breath-taking and just a gift to behold. I then opened up the coffee canister and it makes a certain popping noise, followed by a swish of coffee aroma. And, I thought, Wow. I’m normally in such a hurry that I don’t usually notice these things. Then, I started frothing my milk and that’s when something stupid happened: While I was using the frother with my left hand, I started running water into the pan that I had used to heat the milk and then I started trying to wash the pan with my right hand while still frothing the milk with my left hand. What? It’s still dark outside and I feel the need to multitask? Is this the level of programming that I’ve subjected myself to over the last decade plus? NO. That nonsense ends now. I am taking back time for me.
These are just some of my thoughts as I approach the new year and the new book in the series of my life. While I don’t know exactly what’s next, I’m excited to let it unfold and to experience it and not rush through it.
I’d love to hear some of your thoughts as to what you are excited about in the coming year. Whatever it is that you are looking forward to, I hope that 2022 is your best year ever. And I hope that you rise and thrive.
