"Takin' Time Out"

 

Definition:  A time at which a new calendar year begins and the calendar’s year count is incremented.  In many cultures, the event is celebrated in some manner.

 

Can you believe we are wrapping up 2013 and getting ready to embrace 2014?  It just seemed like yesterday we were worried about the new millennium and here we are way past that.  Time really is passing by quickly…even more of a reason for “Takin Time Out” and makin sure we have our priorities straight.  How many of you set “New Year’s” resolutions?  How many of them really work throughout the year or are they really the same list year after year.  Like lose weight, workout more, eat healthier, budget, get out of debt, cut down on watching TV, learn something new or get organized.  Did you know out of 3,000 people who set “New Year’s” resolutions at the beginning of the year 88 % of those failed?  So last year through my coaching experience with Michele, I discovered to not make “New Year’s” resolutions but make a list of of “New Year’s” Possibilities.  Something about the word possibilities makes it sound more like an adventure than a chore or goal.

 

A “New Year” brings fresh new beginnings and I love picking out a new family calendar to hang on our refrigerator where we post events, special people’s birthdays and a gentle reminder of time management for everyone involved.   I buy a new set of colored ink pens to write with as I love color and certain events are in certain colors LOL… I pick out a new Franklin Covey Time Management system which will house my daily to do’s, yes I have a digital system but still like my paper, I am a creature of ole or old habits.  I love finding the perfect journal to make my daily entries of my precious thoughts, verses, prayers, hopes, dreams and desires, it has to be wide ruled lined and the perfect paper weight.  The most difficult is choosing my new word for the year and finding the perfect photo to reflect its meaning! It’s a time of fresh new beginnings and a brand new start of endless possibilities.  What about you what are some simple things you do in preparation for a “New Year” ?

 

This past June I was playing around on the internet and at my very favorite place to escape while sipping on a fresh cup of Peach tea, I typed in the words “Make Things Happen”…wow it was amazing to see how God works in my life.  It was right there in my sanctuary and place I love “Takin Time Out” this website popped up www.laracasey.com and my life took a new spin with golden nuggets of wisdom to be found.  2013 the word of the year was “Passionately Wise” and it truly was a year I found a deeper understanding of how God has wired me and where my strengths are and focusing more on those gifts than my weaknesses.  I have always tried to improve where I was weak but this past year through my coaching sessions, I learned it is more important to accept those weaknesses and move on with great joy and focusing on my strengths and gifts God has given me.  Lara Casey is one amazing woman, she is so young to have identified her gifts so early on and using those talents to help others.  She has six month Goal Setting workbook that I highly encourage you to check out at www.laracaseyshop.comso YOU too can “Make Things Happen”.  I have ordered her new sheets to start my “New Year” for 2014 and it is a great place to share where I have been, what has worked, what has not, where I want to go and how I am going to do it.  The best part is a page you get to download literally by writing out all the interruptions that cause you to not necessarily get things done.  This is a great way to write it all out, purge and give you permission to move on.  So many times we beat ourselves up due to past failures, non-finished projects or guilt sets in as we have let someone down or more importantly let ourselves down.  It’s ok we all make mistakes, we are not perfect and life definitely has its twists and turns.  The lesson is to learn from those mistakes and move on!  I think that is why a “New Year” is a perfect time to wipe the slate clean and make a list of possibilities you want to change or enhance in your life. 

 

Personally I pray about my possibilities and ask God for guidance and help in making any permanent changes in my life.  I try to align my desires with what he places on my heart.  A few verses I love to live by are found in Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” or Proverbs 3:6 “In all ways acknowledge him, and he will direct my path” and Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

 

This next year I want to continue to lighten my load.  Lighten my load of unnecessary burdens that don’t belong to me, of stuff that I don’t use and donate to someone or someplace that can, to use the fine china more and not just let it sit on the shelf collecting dust.  I want to do more rather than buy more.  My fondest memories of the past are places and people I was with rather than material objects and things I have.  I want to continue to strive and be in the moment, in the presence not rushing through the day and hoping for a better tomorrow but embracing and accepting things the way they are…I don’t know what tomorrow holds but knowing who holds my tomorrow makes it all worth while.  I also strive to take care of what I have whether it is material thing such as a home, a car but most importantly those things that can’t be replaced like our health and relationships and time with friends and family.  I want to focus on the journey not the destination.  Personally I feel the possibilities for everyone is endless…one merely needs to take a step forward.  Be creative, think outside the box, make mistakes as that way you learn.  The creative mind can add shades of color, lines of interest and texture to engage the eye and inspires possibilities for everyone to enjoy.  The key is to write it down and reflect on those dreams, desires, changes you want to make!  What are your thoughts, I would love to hear from you…

 

I feel it is important to plan for certain things or events but I also like to be flexible enough to do some things spur of the moment.  Spur of the moment times actually have been the best in many cases because there was no time for anticipation, worry or dread it just happened.  “Takin Time Out” can also be important to reflect on where you are, where you are going and how things are going.  The week between Christmas and “New Year” is a great time for some folks but I prefer to do it earlier like the end of September or beginning  of October and then review during this last week of the year to put any polishing touches and changes I want to make.  It gives me more time to be clear for the next year!

 

If you make “New Year’s” Resolutions I encourage you to consider changing it to possibilities as it will put a new spin in life if not I hope they all come true as you do have the power within to accomplish anything you put your mind to.  I encourage you to journal and pick a word for the year as life is one big adventure and I am wishing you the best life has to offer.  May you be blessed with good health, happiness, contentment, gratitude and most of all good friends, loving family and God’s grace.  Until next time my dear friend… Thank you 2013 for the lessons learned and memories made and wahoo here we come … Happy New Year 2014!

“The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react.”  George Bernard Shaw

“We all have possibilities we don’t know about.  We can do things we don’t even dream we can do.”  Dale Carnegie