One year, twelve months, 52 weeks, 7 days, 24 hours, 60 minutes, 60 seconds, and so on.
Here it already is September 6, 2011 – the day after labor day, the end of summer. The year of 2011 is almost over.
What has been my journey in 2011?
What have I accomplished this year?
Is my life different from last year?
Have I learned anything new?
Have I tried anything new?
Have I made progress financially?
Is my coaching business achieving success?
Have I set and reached any significant goals?
Does this sound familiar to you?
I ask these questions of myself, because frankly, I know that I am just putting one foot in front of the other, traveling down the same path, following the same habits and routines each day.
While in my head, I long for something new and exciting, a new challenge, a new opportunity, a new journey.
I use the word journey because life is but a journey.
So while I can set and accomplish goals, my real joy and meaning comes from the small steps, the actions, the minutes lived each and every day.
I have a pattern I’ve used for years. I live in a somewhat state of inertia, continuing along my path waiting for the next big event to happen. I plan endlessly for it, look forward to it and then it happens and it is over.
So I start to think what is the next big event?
In the meantime, life is happening and time is passing me by.
I experienced a big event this year, 2011.
I turned 60. It was a milestone for me for several reasons. As usual, I began seriously thinking about this celebration Easter week 2010, when I invited family and friends from afar. This led to another layer of planning to the party celebration – sleeping arrangements, transportation and entertainment for the 16 family and friends who said yes to an invitation to fly in from PA, NJ, FL, and TX to the West coast to visit.
I had thrown a big gala for myself when I turned 50 and wanted to surpass the success of that event. The last party was held at the Admiral Nimitz historic house on Yerba Buena Island overlooking the bay toward Alameda. We had scrumptious food, white table clothes with roses on each table, and a great dance band. A good time was had by all.
So I distracted myself from committing to a working on my coaching business by focusing on a simple party that was going to last 6 hours. Luckily all of the time and effort paid off.
I threw an outstanding celebration for myself and good friend, Joey. The party was held at a historic venue, the South End Rowing Club, located in aquatic park, San Francisco. 96 guests joined us for great food, our favorite house band – Doc Roc and he Disorderlies and stunning views of the San Francisco bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It was a fantastic night.
As I contemplated reaching this age milestone, like many of my friends who turned 60 before me and I set on a course of reminiscing.
I spent hours reviewing my calendars since 1982 thinking about my legacy so far. I confirmed some thoughts I had about my history. I led a life of: activities and actions – playing and enjoying over 30 sports and outdoor enjoyment, living and teaching about sustainability and donating over 3,700 hours of community service to the four non-profits I worked with over the years.
So I have already created quite a legacy. But that is my past.
What will be my future? I want my future to be with you.
Three years ago, I became a life coach because I believe I have the compassion, skills and tools to inspire, empower and educate folks on how to live a successful life, to live up to their potential, to live with joy and meaning — To make a difference for themselves, others and the planet.
I have read books, listened to CD’s, attended lectures and learned very valuable material and techniques which I am eager to put into practice myself and to share with you.
While my optimistic self says I can do this – I can inspire, empower and teach myself and others to live their best life, to follow their dreams, and their hearts desires.
My realistic, even pessimistic self knows I will experience roadblocks, hazards, obstacles, challenges, frustrations, fears and just plain old laziness along the way. But I will not be defeated, deterred or quit.
So I begin my new journey of living and self discovery. What will your journey be?
I invite you to follow along.
