The mandatory looking forward blog post…

At this time of the year people look forwards, take stock on where they are, think about what the future holds and the direction they would like to go. I’ve been going through this process over the last couple of years and have made some huge, positive changes in my life.

This year I did something different, rather than my plans for next year, I’d rather talk about what I learned, or has been reinforced over the last year. This helps me relax with what I want, rather than become consumed by it.

• It’s never too late to start – I’ve blogged for a while, but really starting to understand social media, publishing and researching are new skills to me. Mentoring with people who really do get it has been invaluable.

• Don’t take yourself too seriously. How can I take it too seriously? I’d probably be depressed, stressed out and unable to function. A little levity is good for the soul, I look at my life today and I feel really fortunate, but I also know it can all change tomorrow.

• You don’t choose a passion, it chooses you. I’ve discovered I like writing, again having people who have really honed their craft help me has been huge. I have friends that want me to succeed, see I have a really good story to tell and are encouraging me to push my own personal envelope.

• Have great people in your life. And I do. I’ve made considerable positive changes and the impetus for that has come from people. These re friends and professionals I trust, who have sat me down and told me what they see. I’ve listened to them, and today am in a far better place for it.

• Be yourself. I like good beer, great tasting food and I am comfortable with my mistakes. I have a strong point of view and that’s part of the appeal. My sarcastic and dark humour does not come across very well, but I try. I am distinctive, have flaws, vulnerability, and embracing that is important.

• Be open to new experiences. It’s what makes life so very, very special. I have a number of wonderful, eclectic close friends, each have their own stories to share. Together they create a wonderful, tapestry of experiences, laughs and lessons that give me so much inspiration, support and a reality check.

So no big end-of-year-new dawn” post from me, just a quick exercise in what I’ve learned and those lessons have driven so many positive things in my life, and will continue to do so.

Thank you to so many people for their support in 2011, 2012 is going to be wonderful. So to Min, Rob, Rob, Mathew, Thom, Lisa, Bill, Carl, Tracy, Steve, Anna Marie, Stephen, Tina, Robert, Ben, Matt, Tony and all the rest of you, thank you so very, very much.

Tweet