It’s the end of the year and the beginning of a new one and I am a bit dazed to realize it’s already 2015- where has this year gone? It seems so much has happened and the energy and activity, at least in my own life, has been constant. I checked some things off my list this past year- big things; promises I had made to myself and to others. What made the difference? As a coach, this is an important question because coaching is about deepening the learning and forwarding action. I am eager to continue forwarding the action because the results have been exciting and I want to continue the momentum.
So what have I learned? Well the first thing I’ve learned is that I am powerful and courageous and when I follow my heart, good things happen. I have flown all over the United States and traveled to Canada which may not be a big deal for some people, but for me it’s huge. 3 years ago I lived with the fear of flying and for many years dreaded having to get on an airplane to go anywhere. It was perfectly normal before a flight for me to feel anxious, lie awake, and even conjure up ways to get out of it. Lately I have flown 2-3 times a week and I sleep like a baby the night before. I had no choice, I was too exhausted to be afraid. I’ve learned that facing my fears is one way to overcome them. I have logged more than 100,000 flying miles in 2 years.
I’ve also learned the power of planning. I used to hate that word. I like being spontaneous and in the moment, and living that way all the time doesn’t allow for anything to germinate or take hold. Planning has allowed me to do more, accomplish more, and achieve results that I’ve been chasing for some time now. I appreciate looking at a plan and realizing that I actually did the things I said I was going to do.
The other big thing I’ve learned is how to be more in the moment, Worrying about the future, or even worse, dwelling in the past, are both ways to get lost and forget who I am and what I want. I had a couple of failures this year and instead of sitting in guilt and self-loathing, I acknowledged the breakdown and then made a conscious choice to move forward. It happened, I cannot change it. I can only change what I do moving forward and that has been a powerful distinction for me.
Most importantly I’ve learned that having a strong, healthy support system around me is the best way to hold myself to a higher level. Building relationships with a variety of people has made the difference for me as I couldn’t have done all that I’ve done this year without the support and help from so many amazing people. I can truly say I am surrounded by love and support. I do not take any of them for granted. That has been one of the biggest lessons of all. Trusting others, while also trusting myself has allowed me to accomplish more than I could have on my own.
One other thing I learned this year is that the little acts matter most. Just recently I was driving down the road and while stopped at a light I looked over at the car next to me. Looking back at me from the back seat was this little face so I smiled and this little girl smiled back in a big, genuine way. I started crying. In that small moment I realized that the most important thing I do in my life is to make a connection with another human being: to share the range of emotion, and to notice and see life around me. I was moved to my core. In a vulnerable moment, I allowed this child to reach past my adult veneer and touch my soul. It was such a gift.
I felt the need to record some important lessons this past year in the hopes that I will continue moving in a direction that excites and inspires me. I also hope that in sharing this, it will excite and inspire you as well. Let me know how your year was. I want to hear from you. Next week I’ll share some of my goals for 2015.