I've had a busy couple of years, and blogging has been way down my list of things to do. So I was pleasantly surprised to find several lovely comments from readers awaiting moderation. Thank you to anyone who has read and responded, either in words or action, to suggestions, ideas and strategies I have reported.
I feel like I am coming out of the haze after working hard for two years in an organisation. It was fun, and provided immense challenges that have provided me with great opportunities to learn and grow personally and professionally.
That is what life is all about isn't it? Learning and growing?
I don't actually have anything burning to report on right now so I thought I should restart this blog with a post that explains a bit about the way I work and get things done. People say I do a lot of things, that I seem to achieve a lot. From my perspective, the list of things still to do expands yearly, there is no end in sight. While many of my friends and colleagues are talking of retirement, at 57 years of age I am still thinking about and making plans for the next fifteen years. These plans include travelling (I am trying to catch up to my youngest daughter who has visited 28 countries), finishing all the books I have started writing, as well as about 20 more on the wait list, saving for a writers' retreat where I will host other writers who need a space and a mentor, and having my own publishing business. I can speak French (fairly well) and want to learn Italian and Russian.
There is probably more but I am all out of ideas for the minute :)
Whether you have one idea or a million that you would like to see come to fruition in the forseeable future, I thought I would share with you my process for making some of my wishes come true. I hope you find it works for you too, and would be interested in receiving your feedback. (I will aim to be less tardy in acknowledging your responses in the future).
Each January, I have a date with myself - a weekend is fine, or a couple of days during the week is even better! Either way, I make sure I find a day or two where I can sit down with myself and some large sheets of paper and coloured pens. First, I gather my favourite snack food (usually fruit and nuts to nibble), put on a favourite CD and light the burner with some focusing essential oils. I then brainstorm with myself all the things that I might do, not holding back at all, just listing everything that comes to mind. This is great fun if you really let yourself go - the imagination is endless!
Once I have run out of energy for this, I take a walk to clear my head and usually have a coffee at a favourite cafe.
Returning home, I look at the lovely colourful mess I have made on the pages. Taking a birds-eye view, I search for 'themes', or ideas that really stand out. I think to myself, what will make this year a success for me? At this point, I have to make myself think of only three outcomes! For example, the year I started writing for newspapers, my goal was to simply to be published. The next year, my goal was to be paid! I achieved both of these easily - it is best to aim for results that are realistic but challenging.
Finally, I think of the practicalities. For example, will I need to carve out some time for appropriate activities? How will I track my progress? What might stop me and how will I minimise issues?
Usually after this time I pack away my pages, pencils and notes and don't look at them again. I have a discreet list of three things that I remind myself of a few times each week, often by telling other people, which makes me more likely to succeed.
(This is a great career success strategy as well).
How does this work? I don't know, but it almost always does. I guess I have faith in the universe to provide what I need. I would love to hear about your experiences, past or future. In the meantime, Merry Christmas and will touch base again in '13.
May the coming weeks be restful and renewing
Cheers
Julie
