It’s a new start. Do you feel it? Have you felt the new surge of hope that has risen with the start of 2012? Yay. Our world could use a little hope right now. I don’t think this rise is solely because of the new year. We’re also coming out of the depth of winter’s shortest days and starting the climb to longer days of summer. We’ve just turned a corner from yin to yang. From rest to action. It’s a good time to ride the wave!
Photo by Jeannine Lee
The beginning of the year, like the dawning of a new day, is filled with possibilities. Today’s early January morning broke with brilliant pink chiffon clouds filling the sky. Wouldn’t it be nice if the new year heralded its presence with something as dramatic? Absent that, we are left to our own celebrations.
What do you do for yourself at the beginning of a new year? Some people make resolutions. Some set intentions. Some are hung over. Some think it is just another day. I like to ask questions.
I frequently ask, “What is trying to happen?” I ask it of myself. I ask it of my clients – especially couples in conflict since conflict always signals a change that wants to happen. Right now I’m asking, “What is my soul’s desire for 2012?” What are you inspired to ask at the start of your new year?
Developing your theme
When you get your answer, claim it in the form of a theme – a theme is a thread that will run throughout your year. It will inspire and direct your choices, actions and behaviors – when you remember to use it. Your answer may not come fully developed. If it doesn’t, take the concept, the gist, and rearrange it until it is worded in a way that calls you forth.
Here are a few examples:
- The year of Financial Strength
- The Vital New Me
- Calm in Every Storm
- Powerfully Persevering
- Curiosity at Every Turn
- Playful and Joyous
A theme is more empowering than a resolution. To me, making a resolution is pushy, like trying to mold life into the way I want it. I’ve never found that to work. Life is… well… unmoldable. It does what it does. I’m the one who must do the bending. A theme, on the other hand, is a “come from” place – a way of being. Living in view of ‘Financial Strength’ is a lot different than resolving to get out of debt. A lifestyle created for ‘The Vital New Me’ is a lot more useful and empowering than “I will not eat any more brownies.”
Using your theme
After you have worded your theme in an empowering way, imagine how you will feel and what will be possible for you as you live it.
I’ve done this enough now to see how each year’s theme builds upon the last, wrapping around the learning and growth from the previous year like the rings on a tree. It’s a brilliantly designed growth and development tool. I think we go through this process whether we’re aware of it or not. When we’re not aware of it we just feel overwhelmed by all that life is requiring of us. When we are aware, our experiences have more meaning and become more powerful.
If you are local to Colorado and would like help to discover your theme for the year, join me for an in-person 3-hour workshop January 14. Find details here.
{ 2 comments }
