#1 – Declutter! Someone once told me that not every overly, ripe banana needs to be turned into banana bread. It’s okay to throw away rotting fruit. Are you surrounded by stuff? Is your physical environment at work or home so full of things requiring attention you don’t know where to start? Sometimes, we need to let things go. We hold on to physical things way beyond their shelf life because we assume there will be a dire need of it in the future. Rarely is this true, and when things are out of sight they are out of mind – giving space to focus on more important things. Along that same line, are your thoughts cluttering your brain? I find that clutter is an attention killer whether it is physical or invisible. Part of reducing clutter is quieting the racket in our brains and letting go of the thoughts that no longer serve us well. Toxic thoughts, such as past hurts, disappointments, failures and missed opportunities, add just as much debris to life as anything physical. Don’t let the clutter and pressure of making banana bread keep you from living your preferred life.
#2 – Friendship! The month of December is full of reading Christmas and Holiday cards with newsletters. We know more about our friends and loved ones now. We know about their kids' accomplishments, where they vacationed, and what losses/gains they experienced this past year. Through these written words, whether penned electronically or with ink, we feel a connection. Don’t let another 12 months go by before you feel this connection again. The annual newsletter shouldn’t be the only time we exchange stories about our lives with people that matter. Instead, live life together in regular connection so that when you read the next newsletter you can laugh and say, “I was there for that!” I often ask my coaching clients how well they are known by others. Many come back and say, not many know them well. Let others know you! Find new and creative ways to stay in relationships and make friends. When you are surrounded by people who
know you well, they propel you to live your preferred life.
"Friendship? Yes, Please!" - Charles Dickens
know you well, they propel you to live your preferred life.
"Friendship? Yes, Please!" - Charles Dickens
Every New Year brings opportunities to anticipate and be hopeful. As you reflect on your goals for 2014, look back first. How did you manage the clutter of 2013? How did you manage friendship this past year? Notice what you did well and make note of what you hope not to repeat – then let go and move forward.
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