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LIVING BY DESIGN NEWSLETTER
by Leslie Karen Sann, MA, LCPC
V1, #5
December 20, 2001
IN THIS ISSUE
Looking
Back Helps Us Move Forward
Quotes
Practically Speaking
Wonder Questions
Write to Me
LOOKING
BACK HELPS US MOVE FORWARD
I find the end of a year to be a time of reflection.
For me it is important to formally "complete" the year that is
closing so that I can set my intentions for the year that is before me.
I like to sit in the quiet of my living room, a
candle lit, some quiet music in the background, a pad of paper in hand. I
ask myself, "What did I accomplish this year?" and I begin to
write. I have my calendar with me to browse through to trigger my memory
of where I have been and what I have done.
I am usually amazed at the fullness of my life and
what I have actually achieved. This ritual I have created for myself is
the final stage of "The Cycle of Productivity."
There are four stages of "The Cycle of
Productivity." The first stage is the beginning, when we come up with
an idea and decide to do it. The second stage involves the action - the
period of time we're doing all that needs to be done to bring the project
to the third stage or completion. Many of us end here. Yet there is a
fourth stage that is as important if not more important than any of the
others.
What do you imagine that might be? Think about this
for a moment. Imagine you had a boss that gave you a project which you
completed and on time. What if you returned it to your boss only to
receive another project with no comment about the one you just finished.
Imagine this happening over and over and over again. How long would it
take before you decided it was time to look for another job?
Why is that?
What's missing?
Acknowledgement and appreciation. Yes,
acknowledgment, a pat on the back, appreciation. The simplicity of a thank
you.
Now be honest.
Do you treat yourself like this imaginary boss. Do
you work for a boss (you) who does not pause to say thank you, atta
girl/boy, good job . . . . ?
Many of us tend to focus on what is next and what is
not yet finished rather than taking the time to fully engage in the fourth
stage of "The Cycle of Productivity." Acknowledging and
appreciating.
By omitting this important step, we eventually find
our enthusiasm and joy for life diminishing. We do not feel like we're
getting anywhere in our life and we experience little satisfaction.
That's why, for me, pausing to reflect and
acknowledge myself and my productivity is a powerful way to end my year.
I find this process to be energizing. Have you ever
noticed how much fun it is to cross something off your to-do-list? Have
you noticed that spark of energy that comes forward as you complete those
incompletions that have been hanging around?
Taking time to acknowledge your year works in a
similar way and generates energy and aliveness.
During this process I also take the time to look at
the things I did not get done that I had intended to and I allow myself to
wonder:
- Did I expect more of myself than was possible?
- Did other things come forward that were not
expected that turned out to be better than I had imagined?
- Are there any self-judgments that need to be
forgiven?
- Do I need to declare any of these items complete
and accept I no longer am pursuing them?
And finally I ask myself:
Our lives are full of lessons and opportunities for
growth. Imagine yourself a year ago and see yourself now. Wow! Pretty
amazing? Often we are so involved with what is going on right now we lose
perspective on what we have gained over time. We forget how rich we are
and how blessed we are.
Let me encourage you to end this year with a bang by
celebrating yourself for all you have done and all that you are!
Next year I am going to be writing about the process
of creativity and how to manifest and achieve your goals and dreams. This
ritual of completion becomes a foundation for that process.
Here's wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a
glorious new year.
Love and blessings,
Leslie
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QUOTES:
"Increasing your self-esteem is easy. Simply
do good things and remember that you did them."
~ John-Roger ~
"When you find achievements to celebrate,
you nourish your spirit and motivate yourself."
~ Jinny S. Ditzler ~
PRACTICALLY SPEAKING:
- Make your list of accomplishments for the year
2001.
- Give yourself a giant atta girl/boy!
- List the mistakes, regrets, things you wish you
hadn't done or said in the past year.
- Throw away or burn the 'mistake' list.
- Forgive yourself.
- Forgive yourself for judging anyone else.
- Ask yourself "What have I learned this
year?"
- List the people who most made a difference in
your life this year.
- Let these people know about it in some way.
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WONDER QUESTIONS:
- How has this year been better than I could have
imagine?
- How has not accomplishing something I thought I
wanted moved me to an even better place in my life?
-
What am I grateful for?
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WRITE TO ME!
I am interested in your successes! Write to me and share wins you have experienced
using any of the techniques I have shared.
Perhaps you have a story about how gratitude transformed a challenge into a blessing, or
how the simple act of acceptance has brought peace more present in your life.
Tell me which strategies have worked and what occurred. Send your story or any
questions you may have to me at:
leslie@living-bydesign.com
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COPYRIGHT/CONTACT INFO/REPRINT PERMISSION
c Copyright 2001 by Leslie Karen Sann, Living by Design
Visit this link for contact information:
leslie@living-bydesign.com
Reprint permission granted in part or whole when the following credit appears in full:
Copyright 2001 by Leslie Karen Sann,
Living by Design.All rights reserved.
Web site. http://www.living-bydesign.com
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