photo by Danielle Macinnes
"Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”
It’s 2020 ! The sound of it, it’s visual balance, a place which for many of us was by definition “the faraway future. Well, it is now here and is undeniably an important benchmark.
Much to the amusement of my husband, I believe in celebrating any and all occasions, aware that time is leaving its mark. Standing up and taking notice, having a ritual, taking a pause. This is the perfect time to do just that and harness your energies toward what matters most for you.
We will look back and say 2020, Yes, that was the year I - turned my focus toward self care, shifted a relationship (with self or other), made a positive impact, or..... You fill in the blank!
And as we know these changes that are meaningful for us often take determination, inner strength, resolve. It takes some degree of resolve for channeling our habits in a desired direction and also to examine the conditions that reinforce these habits, changing them if necessary.
Resolve - definition, n. A firm determination to do something. From the Latin roots of to loosen - which I love when you think in relation to habits or tendencies. Our habits can bind us, our resolve can free us!
But first things first - did you make a resolution, or have an aspiration? It's kind of like the lottery-you have to pick your numbers and actually buy your ticket for a chance to win. Though you can increase your odds with the following suggestions;
Be specific - describe in detail what your goal entails. The time of day, the duration, the specific result you are seeking,
Write this commitment down, in a way that you can carry it with you, mentally and physically. This can be a screen saver for your phone, a bracelet you wear on your wrist, or a note on the bathroom mirror. Imprint it in your schedule so there is no chance you will forget ... or ignore it.
Reflect on why this is important for you. What do to have to gain by following through? What do you have to loose? And what is important about each?
Plan for success, Think ahead, Design each day. What is going to help me make it to the gym ( for both body and mind ), or the meditation cushion, etc ? Is there something I need to reprioritize? What might get in the way? And then make the necessary adjustments because you want this - this is your winning ticket!
Tell someone - select carefully because this person is going to hold you accountable.You are not going to be tempted by distraction with this person on your side, who is creatively tuned to your personal challenges and commitments.
Recent Neuroscience studies have made some very favorable discoveries. The patterns in our brains can be changed, they are pliable and can be shaped into new patterns with repeated effort. Just like a well worn hiking path that for years has directed you from point A to B, you can forge a new path in the brain, literally. The neurons that fire together when you make a choice, set an action, over repeated time will wire together. With practice your tendency to reach for the sweetest, largest desert falls away and you actually prefer that perfect pear or juicy tangerine.
This year I resolved to be in the garden more, working and engaged with this creative endeavor. Imagining myself surrounded by the simplicity of native plants and nature. I think this native emphasis likely suggests a symbol for; belonging, a sense of being at home in, genuine in my own expressive nature and comfortable that I am exactly where I need to be and who I need to be. It points to some of my values of creativity, being true to myself, comfort, and truth.
Which brings me to conditions. Our conditions - what we surround ourselves with, what we do with our down time, our attitudes and self beliefs, some of them likely long held, can all have a very large impact. Taking a focused look at these conditions shines a light on what will help usreach our goals and equally important, a look at what hinders us from reaching our goals.
The HeartWisdom Coaching process helps you become clear on what your core values are, which of your self beliefs will help you on this quest and which ones will undermine your efforts. It helps you discover where to find your resolve, your strength, and your voice. As your coach, I will not only hold you accountable but will be very curious about what might get in your way so that you can forge that new path, free of your typical obstacles.
It's early into 2020 and not too late to reset your efforts. This is a year we will all remember for personal, political, and global change. A personal benchmark to look back on and remember that specific fork in the road that took you exactly where you want to go and exactly who you want to be.
Note: If this Blog looks familiar, this is because parts of it have been inspired by one of my previous writings.