Annual events provide a good point of reflection. Those events that occur year after year find you at both similar and different places with regard to your enthusiasm for the event, what you do during the event, the priorities, and more.
I'm thinking about this as I embark on an annual event soon--one I typically looked forward to, but find myself looking at the event with very different eyes this year. What changed?
Clearly life has pushed me in a new direction in the past few months, and that's what makes the event look different to me.
Reflections related to annual events help you to know where you are and where you want to be. You may assess growth and need via looking at yourself related to these events.
As I think of the event I mention, I realize that changes have redirected my priorities--what I want to get out of the event and what I want to bring to it. Rather than leadership for this event, I want to be a supporter. Rather than outward, I want the focus to be more private and inward. Rather than promoting the event's spark, I want to observe, listen, and follow. I want to be a strong foundational piece to this event, but not one whose energy is leading the way.
There will be many more annual events coming up this year, events like holidays, birthdays, graduations, and more. Each time I will likely reflect a bit about where I am, what my contributions will be, and how that event fits into my life at this turn in the road.
I also watch how others navigate change and living at these annual events. I've watched young families make more time for the children, older relatives adjust routines and the places where they live, young adults widen their circles and adventures, and colleagues strengthen and focus their practice. To take the time to reflect is also to make time to acknowledge the positive changes in the lives around you.
What do you want, need, and desire is a question I often ask my loved ones and students, and then I use that information to direct my efforts with regard to those people. This is a question I'm asking myself too today as I think about a number of annual events, events that will highlight changes that have occurred and new opportunities for good living too.
I'm thinking about this as I embark on an annual event soon--one I typically looked forward to, but find myself looking at the event with very different eyes this year. What changed?
Clearly life has pushed me in a new direction in the past few months, and that's what makes the event look different to me.
Reflections related to annual events help you to know where you are and where you want to be. You may assess growth and need via looking at yourself related to these events.
As I think of the event I mention, I realize that changes have redirected my priorities--what I want to get out of the event and what I want to bring to it. Rather than leadership for this event, I want to be a supporter. Rather than outward, I want the focus to be more private and inward. Rather than promoting the event's spark, I want to observe, listen, and follow. I want to be a strong foundational piece to this event, but not one whose energy is leading the way.
There will be many more annual events coming up this year, events like holidays, birthdays, graduations, and more. Each time I will likely reflect a bit about where I am, what my contributions will be, and how that event fits into my life at this turn in the road.
I also watch how others navigate change and living at these annual events. I've watched young families make more time for the children, older relatives adjust routines and the places where they live, young adults widen their circles and adventures, and colleagues strengthen and focus their practice. To take the time to reflect is also to make time to acknowledge the positive changes in the lives around you.
What do you want, need, and desire is a question I often ask my loved ones and students, and then I use that information to direct my efforts with regard to those people. This is a question I'm asking myself too today as I think about a number of annual events, events that will highlight changes that have occurred and new opportunities for good living too.