7,304 days
420 specific accomplishments
20 years
2 decades
I get it. I’ve tested my creative edge, pushing further and further, expanding the possibilities. For the past 20 years I’ve reviewed my year with a list of 21 accomplishments on New Year’s Eve. My process continues to evolve as I experiment with programs, experts and ideas.
This afternoon I read “Thriving at the Creative Edge” an annual report by Coach/author/creative Cynthia Morris. Cynthia and I collaborated a few years ago, and I am most impressed with her enthusiasm and thoroughness in sharing her review process. She presents an unabashed discussion of her year. Her illustrations captivated me and made me expand my own review.
A few of the things I loved about Cynthia’s year:
She shared what she gleaned from classes she took, inspiring me to do the same. I’ll add “Makers Mentors” to my list on her recommendation alone.
An avid reader/learner, Cynthia catalyzed me to add three books to my own list. I was astounded to see that she has returned many books to the library unread, and that encouraged me to be more honest about my own list of incompletion.
Her 46-page easy-to-read report encouraged me to set additional standards. For one thing, I appreciate how Cynthia combines her coaching practice and artistic passion.
Take a moment and download Cynthia’s report for yourself. It includes more than 10 writing prompts to jump start your own review.
In small ways like this we lift each other up. As I posted earlier in December, #Quest2016 challenged each of its participants to ask tough questions. On this, the eve of 2016, I’m thrilled to look forward and consider my options.
If #Quest2016 is new to you, participate at this link: <trackingwonder.com/quest-2016>
Of the 13 December prompts, (one each Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday during the month) I feel the resonance of #2story from Jen Louden, the author of more than eight books on well-being and whole living, including her most recent book, A Year of Daily Joy (National Geographic 2014). She believes self-love + world-love = wholeness for all.
Jen puts it this way:
“This is the time and these are the resources I have to share and how I choose to share them.”
“Start by savoring what you’re doing. …I am here. I want to be there. What do I need to learn next? Dedicate yourself to shaping something true and beautiful.”
Isn’t that a beautiful way to look at the upcoming year?
As Jen states:
“We are so often exhausted and overwhelmed by the grind of modern life, it is difficult to have the energy to stop the creeping malaise of resignation. But if we band together, if we hold each other in the effort, everything becomes possible.
We cannot do it in isolation.”
I’m grateful for the many blessings, opportunities and connections I’ve experienced during the past 20 years and even more excited about what lies ahead. I’m especially grateful for the chance to read and learn from women like Cynthia and Jen. Together they ensure I test my creative edge.
Here’s a screen shot of the year at a glance. You can see the previous sheets in the workbook. I’m a different person today: 20 years older, with some of the same friends, associates and interests, and yet there’s new depth to m work and being.
I’m shaping something true and beautiful for 2016 and I look forward to sharing it with you. Happy New Year! Welcome 2016.
I’m inspired AND testing my creative edge!
