In just a few short days, January is coming to a close.
And I’m not even going to ask about how you are doing with those New Year’s resolutions.
We understandably ride into the New Year on a wave of hopeful anticipation. But I have a sense of how it may be going for some of you because in a number of my client sessions this month the initial enthusiasm for accomplishing new objectives faded away into frustration or even depression after just a couple of weeks.
Hey…anyone could get derailed by scary snow storms, Mercury-in-retrograde, winter depression, too-much-on-your-plate overwhelm, the drain of every day life…lions, tigers and bears…oh my! In complete transparency I myself was mired down with a flu for about week this month.
We can end up blaming ourselves. We point the finger at others who we don’t feel are supportive. We feel blocked by out-of-our control situations.
In the face of these challenges, my clients and I uncovered a few antidotes to shift the “I-haven’t-made-headway-accomplishing-what-I-want” blues. The key turned out to be inspired action + the power of choice + a remembrance of who we truly are as creative beings. Here are 3 of our strategies:
Antidote #1 => Begin Now!
Each day choose to begin anew. Without a story of the past or the future, we are truly free to play with creative energy that takes our lives in the direction we want.
After all, is it even fair for us to think we can sustain that first of January amplified optimism for what’s possible in a new year?
In my experience, it’s a set-up for many folks. It brings up all kinds of expectations. We can quickly find ourselves stalked by the old self-recrimination stories of not being enough or doing enough. We try to desperately make something happen. We doubt that the Universe will ever support us. We wonder if we are worthy…and so on.
What might happen without a story of “I should be further along than I am”? By turning a deaf ear to that inner demoralizing critic, what might you actually accomplish? You might find your self showing up for each day ready to play, doing your best by focusing on what truly has juice for you and then taking inspired action with a more expansive mind set…open to outcome…letting go of outcome…surprised by unexpected possibilities.
Antidote # 2 => Re-ignite Your Enthusiasm
I heard the most compelling definition for enthusiasm from visionary activist Carolyn Casey recently. She said “it is that within us that makes the divine dance”.
How do you answer the call to join this enthusiastic dance of the life?
Whether you want to cha cha or tango or doofy dance like no one is watching (my own personal favorite), your choice is to align with creative energy — albeit with your own unique stamp of gifts, talents and vision.
Creative energy is summoned by imagination, curiosity, exploration and a dedication to wonder. Activating your creative energy is a strategy that is pragmatic and energizing. It generates excitement.
And wonder is truly the yeast in this mix. In the face of overwhelm or confusion, wonder invites synchronous revelation about your deepest truths and provides clarity for next steps.
Antidote # 3 => Create a new story.
Chase the blues of disappointment and inertia fed by dense old outworn stories of presumed inadequacies with a new story rooted in what truly makes you happy.
I know. I know. It’s such an old adage that happiness is a choice.
But could you see yourself breaking the spell of old outworn stories:
- Could you shift not feeling that you are truly seen to => I’m willing to be visible and findable by clients, the right partner, supportive friends, etc?
- Could you transform not being respected for your true worth to => a profound line-in-the-sand stance of being honored in all areas of your life?
- Could you convert not having enough time to => trusting the timing of your life?
You get the idea…
Life responds to fresh stories
Trust Rumi’s poetic proclamation that “what ever you want, wants you”. And when you cultivate lightness of being by choosing happiness, you consciously unhook from constraints that block that flow. You become a guaranteed match to the profound truth In Rumi’s promise.
Combine these antidotes or implement any one of them to counteract the winter blues. I believe you will once again find yourself living your life by design rather than by default. It’s how I showed up for a busy January despite a week of having the flu.
You too just might find yourself experiencing exhilarating liberation, manifestation and the peace of mind relief that actually all is well.
