The New Year is typically a time for people to make plans, set goals and assess where they’ve been and where they want to be. This process most often entails looking at all the places where we have fallen short. We look at the weight we’ve gained (or failed to lose), the money we didn’t bring in, the projects we never completed, the exercise we didn’t do or the countless business goals we didn’t reach. And if we were successful in some of these areas, January 1st becomes the time to set new goals to surpass those from the year before. We’re constantly trying for better, more, faster, thinner.
This year, however, I’ve decided to pause.
This year I’m committed to slowing down and appreciating how far I’ve come, the people I’ve met along the way and, yes, even the places where I got stuck. The start of 2010 will be a tribute to 2009. I want to take the time to enjoy my accomplishments, examine my mistakes and be thankful for my struggles — which have taught me as much, if not more, than my successes. The start of 2010 will be about total acceptance of where I am and how I got here—the good, the bad and the ugly–as they say.
As I look over the past year and contemplate where I am today with my business, friends and family, I realize that I am exactly where I am meant to be. I’ve met some of my goals and am still striving for others. I imagine this will be true for most of my life since I have a propensity for wanting to do better and be better. For now though, on this final day of 2009, I’m going to give myself a break and realize that the familiar saying in the coaching world of the present is perfect is right on. I am where I am meant to be—and it feels good to be here (mistakes and all).
I encourage all my readers to also take a moment to pause and realize that the present really is perfect. You are where you are meant to be. This is not where you will always be, however for now, just take it in. Appreciate all it took to get you here. Acknowledge your hard work. Accept your struggles, mistakes and misfortunes as stepping stones to the present. Look to your future with faith that it will take you to the exact place where you are meant to be. If you are soaring—take it in. If you have yet to soar, know that you will when it is your time to soar. Continue to get stronger, build your core, expand your resources and know when you’re ready, things will take off. Until then, pay attention to the journey.
To all my readers, I thank you for the insightful and personal comments, enlightening conversations and awesome support throughout the years. You all ROCK! May each and every one of you have the most amazing year ever in 2010. You all deserve it.
Warm regards and Happy New Year-
Lisa