I just finished writing my annual “New Year Reflection” and I wanted to share it with you. It has been an incredible year with the launch of this newsletter, first national radio appearance on Martha Stewart and lots of great moments with friends and family. It has also been a year of hard-learned lessons. Lessons about patience, what it means to love completely, and how scary it is to stand naked in my authenticity and imperfections.
Remembering it all is FUELING my soul for 2013. Though the majority of New Year’s Resolutions fail (up to 70%, depending on which study you read), and despite the fact that every day offers a chance for a new beginning, most of us find the new year an opportunity for transformation and growth. Take advantage of this opportunity not to “resolve” but to refuel new hopes. Below is the reflection I do and use with my clients. Ask yourself these questions:
What was really good this year? What memories do I want to continue celebrating?
What did I learn? What lessons am I taking into next year?
What am I ready to leave behind? Which old patterns, behaviors and beliefs no longer serve me and so I’m ready to let them go?
What am I hoping for in 2013?
As I considered these questions just now, my heart filled thinking of each of my coaching clients and how inspiring their growth has been. My chest swelled with pride thinking about my niece’s bat mitzvah and then I laughed out loud remembering my whole family dancing together. I felt gratitude for my corporate clients such as AVON,Alcoa and Thompson Hine. And then my soul sang as I remembered a recent trip to the sweet little town of New Hope where my spirit literally skipped down the snowy streets. And then I thought of the lessons I learned and who taught them to me. My boyfriend taught me that love really can be unconditional. That to love someone with your whole heart means to love them not “in spite of” their imperfections, but “with” their imperfections. From his son I learned that all kids need to be loved for who they are, not who we want them to be. I learned that patience is firm and kind. From my friend Liz, I learned that all of you would rather see all of me – not just the “perfect” picture of myself that I wanted to paint as a life coach. (Thank you Brene Brown for teaching me to how to love my imperfections.) And with my sister, I learned that it’s okay to be vulnerable.
So here’s what I’m ready to leave behind: My desire to be perfect, my belief that I’m not enough as is. I’m ready to say “goodbye” to self-hatred and shame; and “so long” to judgement. Here’s what I said to these familiar behaviors (feel free to use these words): ”Goodbye old patterns, old behaviors. You once served me well – and for that, I am grateful. But you no longer serve me. Rather, you get in my way. You stunt my growth, interfere with my purpose, and limit my love. And so, I lovingly say “goodbye” to you. I release you as I would a caged bird. Fly away old patterns. Do not land on another; rather, fly to freedom and grace.”
Finally, here is what I’m hoping for in 2013: I hope to live authentically and lovingly; I hope to inspire others with my story, my truth. I hope to help others succeed. I hope to reach A LOT of people so that they feel uplifted, beautiful and free. I hope to publish my book and start my video series. I hope I can make others smile. I hope for inner peace for myself, my family, my friends and all of you.
I promise – taking 30 or 60 minutes to begin the year with intention is the greatest gift you can give yourself this week. That is how you live purposefully. Savoring the “wins” fills your Positivity Tank and cements these moments in your long-term memory. Considering the lessons you’ve learned empowers you to walk tall with strength into the new year. And stating your hopes for next year sets you on your path for joy and success. As the sun sets and the New Year begins, I hope that you get all you are hoping for.
With lots of gratitude and love – 2013 is gonna ROCK!
xoxo,
Carin
ps – If you need help with your New Year Reflections, I offer 75 minute reflection sessions. Email me!
pps – I will be doing Group Coaching in January to make your “hopes” come true.Email me for more info!
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