How do you see yourself in relationship to others? Here are a few relationship-related posts you may have missed. Click the link to read the full message.
“To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.”
“Examine the contents, not the bottle.”
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
A favorite book I read this past year is Mastery, by Robert Green, which was actually published in 2012.
This well-researched book was no light read for me, and I found myself taking in only five to ten pages at a time to ingest and digest its contents.
Masters often engage in various apprenticeships and mentoring relationships with others more skilled or experienced than they. A significant take away-for me was that there is always a point where they must step out of the footsteps of their mentors to venture out on the own personal mastery journey.
Where is it time for you to step out of the tracks others have left, to make your own unique footprints in the world?
Image from Unsplash by Brooke Lark
I find it particularly interesting that many people do not always experience the holiday season with the joy and happiness the media would suggest.
With the season now in our rear-view mirror, I’ve observed many of my professional colleagues, friends, and clients share some not so happy tales of gatherings that went badly, due to the less than warm feelings carried into these occasions.
Perhaps not so surprising is the fact that many people avoid these gatherings altogether, and have done so for many years, due to the heaviness of the grudges they carry.
With whom are you carrying a heavy and burdensome grudge, personally or professionally?
What strategies and approaches can you use to lighten your load and improve these relationships?
Consider picking up a copy of Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott, for some strategies to consider.
Image from Unsplash by Brooke Lark
Did you know that when you look up at the night sky and view a full moon you are seeing exactly what every other human – and for that matter, every other creature on Earth – has viewed for millennium?
Based on the rotational speed of the moon and the position of the Earth and Sun, we only get to see one-half of the moon’s surface.
People are like the moon, in that they often only present the sunny side of themselves. We sometimes tend to keep our dark side – including our weaknesses, fears, and perceived imperfections – hidden from view.
How might an exploration of your dark side, and perhaps revealing it to those you trust, create new opportunities and possibilities for you over (at least) the next lunar cycle?
Image from Unsplash by Brooke Lark
If you ever established a New Year’s Resolution and came up short, you are not alone.
Statistics show over 90% of people have the same experience.
Studies have shown that even when doctors tell heart patients they will die if they don’t change their habits, only one in seven will be able to follow through successfully.
It appears that desire and motivation aren’t enough, even when it is literally a matter of life or death.
It is also clear that the status quo has a pretty tight grip on what Roger Kegan calls The Immunity to Change.
What patterns of thinking and doing would have your “Try Again” efforts work this time?
Beyond limiting your focus on fewer priority objectives, consider adding a wide variety of social and structural supports to bolster your motivation and ability to succeed this time.
How would you rate your level of patience on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest? Here are a few patience-related posts you may have missed. Click the link to read the full message.
“Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy.”
“Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.”
“Patience is also a form of action.”
Image from Unsplash by Brenda Godinez
This time of year, many people – particularly those in their retirement years – head south to sunnier skies and warmer temperatures. These “snow birds” are somewhat reborn and experience greater youthful vitality when they head off to winter camp.
Many of us, including myself, who are still working and live in a climate that gets a full dose of winter, can feel a bit down at times and long for an early spring.
How might you bring truckloads of laughter – instead of road salt – to your days to drive away the winter blues and brighten your worlds?
Image from Unsplash by Brenda Godinez
Have you every been on a diet? If you have like many these days, you count your carbs, have gone gluten-free, stopped eating red meat, limited white foods, and perhaps added supplements or super-foods to your daily routine.
My guess is that you may sometimes step on the scale, look in the mirror, and choose your most comfortable clothes with just a bit of angst.
My wife Wendy and I, after visiting our physicians and viewing a number of documentaries with titles such as “What the Health” and “Cowspiracy,” decided to let food be our medicine, with an emphasis on naturally-sourced, plant-based foods.
To our great delight, it is working!
How and in what ways can and will you take on the gift of optimal health in the new year?
Do the necessary and important research, and choose an approach you can stick with for a long and vital life.
I like the work by Chris Johnson and his team at ontargetliving.com, and encourage you to visit his site.
Image from Unsplash by William Iven
Every December, usually over the holidays, I do an assessment of the past year as a way of acknowledging my efforts and progress, and to set the stage for a new year of personal and professional growth.
The process of developing greater mindfulness and self-awareness can become an essential skill. It helps to not only avoid missing the gift of life, but also in learning to make the most out of each day we are blessed to receive.
Take three to five minutes to answer any or all of the questions listed here. Consider doing this with a friend, family member, colleague, or coach, to gain the social support to have this exercise make a significant and sustainable difference:
A few resources you may wish to explore for extra credit include:
Your Best Year Yet by Jinny Ditzler
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John Maxwell
Perfectly Yourself by Matthew Kelly
Happier by Tal Ben-Shahar
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Taming Your Gremlin by Rick Carson
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Image by Robert Collins on Unsplash
With the holiday season upon us, and the new year just ahead, Shakespeare’s wish feels quite appropriate.
Take some real time to reflect on the people, things, and experiences that bring you joy and reach out to those you love with extra hugs and the kind words we often neglect.
How and where can you share Shakespeare’s wish of joy throughout your communities this holiday season, and all year long?