As you welcome in the New Year, remember to be thankful for the trials and tribulations of this past year. Even in years of struggle there are valuable lessons learned, bright moments along the way, good times we excitedly experience and difficult times we thankfully survive. Before rushing headlong into 2015, take some time to reflect on the gifts, lessons and takeaways from 2014. These takeaways will be an excellent guide for the upcoming year.
Questions to help you reflect on 2014 and transition into 2015:
1. What were the brightest moments of 2014 and why?
2. Was the way you spent your time an accurate reflection of your values and priorities (i.e. While you speak about the importance of family do you spend most of your time at work?)? What habits would you like to keep in this area and which ones would you like to change?
3. What were the more difficult moments in 2014? Were there any gifts or valuable lessons from these experiences?
4. What did you learn about yourself through the difficult times in 2014? What lessons would you like to carry into 2015 with you?
5. What would be a great 2015 theme around which to center your efforts for the coming year? Themes, rather than countless goals, are often a more powerful way of grounding yourself into an amazing year. Examples of themes include: Living Lean in 2015; Family in 2015; Authenticity; Healthy Living, etc.
Be thankful and conscious of the lessons learned this past year. Life has a funny way of teaching us lessons when we least expect them—it behooves us to take note of them and not allow them to go unnoticed. The lessons and experiences of the past are often beacons of light for a better future. Tune in, take note and be deliberate in implementing these lessons going forward or these lessons will continue to show up in your life until you do “get” them. Let 2015 be the year you “get” them.
Be grateful for the gifts of 2014, too, and don’t look past them or take them for granted. Appreciating the gifts of life makes the hardships of life a little more bearable. Bring forth the practice of gratitude in general into the coming year as well. There is always something to be thankful for—a child’s smile, a blue sky, a kind act or good health—pay attention to them and take them in.
Challenge: Name your theme for 2015. Center your efforts on this theme and use the lessons learned from 2014 to help guide you in working this theme in 2015. Remember, you went through what you did in 2014 for a reason.
May you all have a very Happy New Year filled with much love, good health and countless amazing experiences. Thank you for your support and I look forward to another awesome year together!
Warmly,
Lisa Merlo-Booth