I usually contemplate the last year around December time. It seems like a natural thing to do, though I’m sure it’s an unconscious choice to reflect and grieve the year that was.
What I find decidedly unnatural is the contemplation and seemingly ‘forced’ planning process of the year ahead.
Seriously, is there not so much pressure placed on us to make this coming year the best thing since sliced bread?
Why is it that the new year – with all its clean slates – is any different to a new day or a new week? It’s my view that you can start the life you want ANY TIME you choose it. You can draw a line in the sand at any old time and make the changes you desire.
But let’s look at what ‘any old time’ might mean. For that I need to use a personal example.
When my second business venture ended in a divorce from my business partner at the time and a loss of anything that I had jointly worked for, I was devastated. It took me a good 18 months to find my calling, my passion and my voice once again.
And I remember going through two new years attempting to get there.
At both of those new years, I was determined to formulate the perfect plan to get myself back on the proverbial horse. I sat down over blank pieces of paper and willed myself to make plans and goals and set expectations of what my new business would look like.
The problem was, I felt sick doing it. It felt contrived. I was never excited about the grand plans I was wielding. I was lacklustre at the thought.
Meanwhile, I was undertaking some rather introspective work. I was doing the mental and emotional ‘reps’, if you like, carving out a better version of myself.
The problem was I was looking at my business plans and my own personal development in isolation.
I thought the two were mutually exclusive – but they weren’t.
See, I needed to get my personal development to a certain point before I could wade into the professional. And I did, in October 2013. Something just ‘clicked’ (though the click was a long road), and I took another plunge. And though the road has not always been a smooth one, I know in my heart it’s the right one.
So what’s the moral here? There’s a few;
Pay attention to those feelings in your body – they’re there for a reason. If something is feeling blocked or uneasy, perhaps your instincts are telling you something else needs addressing?
Remember your line in the sand can come at ANY TIME. Dance to the beat of your own drum and do not feel the pressure of societal ‘norms’ to conform to.
And last but not least, when you do draw those lines in the sand, make them real. Don’t dilly dally back and forth across them. Commitment is key.
With love
Lynda
It feels good to be back here with you. Thank you for letting me in.
If you’re digging this little blurb or you know someone that would, feel free to like it or share it via the buttons above.
Recent Comments