End of Year Reflections

The end of one year and the start of a New Year has always been one of my favorite times of the year. I imagine a white board filled with diagrams, words, drawings and possibly even some numbers and then I am able to erase all the overlapping lines and once again I have a brand new, sparklingly clean, white board. A fresh start. A chance to improve. A new beginning.
As we close out 2010 it is a good time to reflect on what you would like to erase and also what you may want to keep.
2009 was a year I wanted to throw a great deal away but 2010 has been a year of treasures. There are memories, situations and experiences that I will be holding on to and bringing  out often to ooh and aah over. It has been a good year. We conducted two What One Man Can Do Gatherings, one in Ireland and the other in Austin, Texas. I was able to see my youngest daughter cross the finish line in her very first marathon. My family gathered in Lake Tahoe this year and all the children and grand-children were together along with nieces and great nephews and sisters. I love gatherings, especially with my large family. This year Peter and I celebrated 20 years of marriage and my belief that men leave was shattered permanently. Many gifts and many treasures. I am grateful for 2010.
As I sort through the year, there will be items I will want to throw out, my overindulgence and short term gratification are leaving. They have served me well and I no longer want or need them. In their place I am expanding gentleness of speech and long term fulfillment. I am also playing with the idea of starting a running program (no promises) and growing my meditation and prayer experiences.
What are you planning? What will you keep and what will you toss out?
Here are a few questions that may help you decide:
1.How effective have you been with the time you were given this year?
2.Who are the most important people in your life and how often do you connect with them? Do they know they are important, do you tell them?
3.What do you most regret from this year?
4. What have you done to deepen and/or broaden your relationships this past year?
5.How often have you laughed?
6.Whose life have you improved?
7. Who improved your life?
8.Do you have a dream that you took no action on this past year?
9.What type of communication have you used this year?
10.Who do you want to forgive? Who do you want to forgive you?
Have a wonder filled holiday season. You are in our hearts. Happy New Year!