September. I don't know about you, but for me, it always brings a sense of renewal and fresh energy. Change is hanging in the air. The bright sunny days and cooler evenings...
Perhaps this sense of renewal and fresh energy stems from the memories of the transition from summer to back to school time. The potential for new beginnings. Although I haven’t been “back to school” in quite some time, I still look at September as a time to pause and reflect on what has happened so far in the year: a chance to course correct if that's what needs to happen. Take some "inventory". Whatever that may mean for you right now.
What I've learned, and you may find useful, is that taking a pause and reflecting back on the year so far can be instrumental in deciding how to spend your energy for the next four months. It may be helpful for you to account for and realize (despite the circumstances we've been in) just how much you have accomplished since January. Remembering that your definition of accomplishment may have shifted significantly over the past ~18 months or so. Checking in with that and noticing any potential areas that you want to give some attention to, or perhaps back off on. Making some time to consider how you want the rest of the year to unfold for you.
Taking a conscious pause to check in with yourself is something most of us don't routinely do. I'm also guessing that perhaps, in these unusual circumstances, we may have been more likely to check in with others rather than ourselves. However, I want to suggest that it can be really useful. As you're reading this, I am away on a road trip to Tobermory where I am slowing down to pause and reflect. Let the world catch up with me. Taking some inventory.
So what about you? If slowing down isn’t in your plans, what is in your plans? Are you satisfied with how things are shaping up for 2021, or are you ready to shift gears? If a “course correction” is required, what action are you going to take? You still have plenty of time to finish 2021 in a way that is meaningful for you.
So let's get to it...
Are you willing to try this out?
Your challenge for the next week...
Will you take 10 minutes or so to reflect on how far you've come this year? No kidding, will you? I suggest actually putting pen to paper for this and just writing non-stop to let the yarn unravel. That's what happens when you write non-stop, things start to bubble up.
Once you've done that, continue to write the ending that you want to have for 2021. Same suggestion: write non-stop for 10 minutes. You may be surprised by what surfaces on the paper for you.
Visualize it and make it vivid. Imagine this New Year's Eve and what you want to look back on. What will tell you it was a good year for you?
What did you let go of this year?
What new things did you discover about yourself?
What else?
If you keep doing what you’re doing, is this ending likely to happen? If not, take some time to think about what you need to do to finish up how you’d like. You may need to alter your plans to get there, but know that you probably have more choices than you think you do.
If you're ready to get intentional about how the rest of your year goes, Contact me for a chat. It's always good to hear from you!
Stay safe and well.
Warmly,
Ann