I recently read an interesting blog post by a yoga teacher whose class I’ve had the privilege of attending. Mary Beth LaRue wrote a great piece detailing her intentions and reflections for a few months and it gave me the idea to do the same and carry out my intentions for November. (Side note: can you believe we are just 60 days out until 2017? How did this year flash by so quickly?)
The main takeaway from October is:
My birthday. I just celebrated my birthday in October. I felt flooded with emotion as I turned another year older. Questions of purpose and meaning have been cycling through my mind, along with the idea of passion, especially when I’m in a space of reflection. In October, I had the opportunity to visit the Sierras on a scouting trip with a longtime friend who is planning a retreat for women in January. I’ll be a presenter! Despite my evolving questions, I’m lucky and healthy to keep cycling through life. I’ve recently heard news of two acquaintances who died and it’s making me appreciate my breath, my mind, my heart and the experiences I’ve had and will continue to seek.
Two things I’m most grateful for:
- My boyfriend and my friends. Standing by me while things have felt difficult recently, these angelic souls made (make) my days so bright and fun. Sometimes I want to retreat, and I’m grateful that my boyfriend and friends encourage me to talk to them. In October, I started a Star Wars club and have watched the first two films with the other two members. As we progress, I’ll give you my thoughts.
- New ideas. I joined a women’s writing group and we meet weekly via phone or google hangout. These other three exceptional women are supporting me in my writing and giving me excellent feedback on the pieces I submit. I have a host of pieces in the pipeline and feel excited to write again. For a minute, my creativity and motivation was waning. This new group is helping me construct new ideas into well-thought pieces.
Anything to release or let go of from October, speak now: Sadness. My mindset is shifting and I’m coming to terms with reality. I can look at problems with a blue veil or in a more constructive way. I’m choosing a new attitude.
The lesson I learned and am carrying forward with me from October is: Just because something is changing doesn’t mean that the people involved don’t still love me.
My intention word for November is: Sustainability. I have a deep passion and desire to make my home and lifestyle more environmentally sustainable. More on this in a future blog post.
One thing I aim to do every day in November is: Express love. I want to make sure the people I care about feel my love for them. Whether with words, actions, quality time, an act of service, or a hug, it’s important for me that the people and animals in my life know how much they matter to me.
Because I am brave, here are three new/scary things I will do in November:
- Write authentically. Whether or not I publish the pieces right now, I will write and share my thoughts with my writing group. Sometimes I write what’s easy but I don’t always express what’s ugly, real and vulnerable.
- Set up meetings with thought leaders to learn more about sustainability. This is a huge issue for me and I want to be involved in practice, not just talk.
- Lead an Accountability Group. This is actually Part II of the group (more on this soon). I have developed an Accountability Group and I tested it with 18 women a few months ago. This will be the second installment and I hope it goes well.
The one book I definitely want to read in November is: The Year of the Runaways by Sunjeev Sahota. I just checked it out from the library and it seems like a wonderful story of four intertwined people set in India.
Just for fun, I will: go to Mammoth with my dear friends for a few days. I can’t wait!
As an act of intentional kindness, I will: check in with my friend who has been suffering daily.
I’m a Gestalt Life Coach. Please send me a message here! Another post you might like: In 2016, Please Try.
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