With the launching of a new website, I can truly say that this is the beginning of a new season in my life and work. New seasons are a fresh opportunity to clean the slate and let go of all the old baggage accumulated over years of poor choices, bad attitudes and unhealthy habits. It is that moment of pure untarnished optimism in the “gift of the new.” It is like unwrapping the Christmas presents all over again and marveling at the bright, shiny new gift. It is that moment in time when I am allowed to dream wildly about what is possible.
So, my thought coming into this new season is that I want to look at the gift of the new in a fresh new way. Here are a few things that came to mind.
First of all I want to get brutally honest with myself and consider what is not working. I do not want to continue pretending not to know that there are some things in my life and work that really are not working. Almost everything in my personal life has changed over the past three years, and while it has been painful and profoundly difficult at times, I am proud of the steps I have taken to create the life I want. It is now time to focus the same kind of courage and determination on the changes my business requires. As an example, my new website is an attempt to personalize my brand and allow the focus to fall squarely on my shoulders and on my gifts. I have resisted this kind of branding in the past, feeling that it was too egocentric; however, I want to trust myself with the implications and embrace who I am without apology.
Secondly, I want to commit to letting go of everything that is old and unnecessary in my life. I want to de-clutter and simplify my life so that I do not feel overwhelmed every time I look around me. I am optimistic that the new website will narrow my business focus and allow me to offer my intellectual property online as well as in programs. I truly believe that making my writing available online will powerfully support the experiences people have in the workshops.
Thirdly, I want to look for the “good new.” It is a phrase that was coined by one of our First Nations teenagers at a retreat in Lillooet and it has stuck with me. There is a sign in our office that says, “find the good.” It is not enough to simply seek out the new. Many of the new things that we seek out are poor replacements for the old things that we just got rid of. I want to challenge you to find what is good and healthy and empowering this year. Find the right attitude and the belief that drives it. Find the good in you and in others. Find those people in your life that will encourage you and support you rather than bring you down, frustrate and discourage you. Find a new hobby or new program or a new job that will create health and happiness for you. Find what sparks your passion and brings joy to you. Find your gifts and your purpose for being here.
Get out there and find the good!
Terry
