January 2013
Happy New Year! Is it still early enough to say that? It already feels like we’ve been in 2013 for awhile now, at least to me, and yet, the calendar tells me differently. The great thing about writing a blog or regular email, like Inspiration Station, is that I can go back and look at previous years’ posts. Here is a paragraph from last year’s post.
“So as you take stock of last year, and look forward to a new one, make a note of the things that really matter to you. Is it spending more time with your family for a goal of being a closer tight-knit family? That’s a great goal. It doesn’t matter what your goal is as long as it comes from your deepest desires and longing- pushed forward by a compelling force and pursued with passion. One more thing: have a good time pursuing those goals and share your goals with others.”
In particular I love the line of coming from your deepest desires. Why that sticks out is because I’m finally reading the book, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. People have been telling me about this book for years, but I hadn’t ever read it until now. I got a Nook for Christmas and I have to say I love it, which is how I came to be reading The Alchemist. It’s all about pursuing our “personal legends” and that we all have one, most of us just forget what that is. OMG it’s so coaching!
The book also contains other great nuggets of knowledge like how when you set your intention or declare what you want- your personal legend- the universe conspires in your favor. What an awesome compelling, affirming belief! I began to realize why certain things over the years did not go the way I wanted them to: I was not standing in what I really wanted, I was standing in fear. I was playing small. That stings a bit as I write it, and it also feels like the truth. So now I know and I can choose differently.
So this year’s agreement I’ve made is to do things right away, don’t wait. If someone gives me the name of someone I should talk to, I’m going to call that person. If I say I want to take a yoga class, I’m going to go take a class. I want to run the full marathon this year. When it opens I’m signing up. If I don’t act in the moment, the moment passes and I run the risk of not doing the thing I said I would, which leads me to what I want, and then when I don’t get what I want no one is to blame but me, which is true anyway.
So my advice to anyone who wants it is to make this year about intention, purpose, and clarity. Search back in your soul for your personal legend. Some hints involve what you used to dream about when you were younger, before the cares and rules of the world became more important. Ask people who know you, and also listen to your heart more. It won’t misguide you.
Part of my personal legend includes service to others and to that end, we are launching the official start of the Living Forward Foundation, so I will be performing with my parents (another part of my personal legend) on this Sunday, January 27th, from 4-7 at Stage Left Café in Woodstock IL. I hope you can make it. (Open Invitation)
Here is to a Great Year! 
Suzanne