Looking Back Helps Us Move Forward

I find the end of a year to be a time of reflection. For me it is important to formally "complete" the year that is closing so that I can set my intentions for the year that is before me.

I like to sit in the quiet of my living room, a candle lit, some quiet music in the background, a pad of paper in hand. I ask myself, "What did I accomplish this year?" and I begin to write. I have my calendar with me to browse through to trigger my memory of where I have been and what I have done.

I am usually amazed at the fullness of my life and what I have actually achieved. This ritual I have created for myself is the final stage of "The Cycle of Productivity."

There are four stages of "The Cycle of Productivity." The first stage is the beginning, when we come up with an idea and decide to do it. The second stage involves the action - the period of time we're doing all that needs to be done to bring the project to the third stage or completion. Many of us end here. Yet there is a fourth stage that is as important if not more important than any of the others.

What do you imagine that might be? Think about this for a moment. Imagine you had a boss that gave you a project which you completed and on time. What if you returned it to your boss only to receive another project with no comment about the one you just finished. Imagine this happening over and over and over again. How long would it take before you decided it was time to look for another job?

Why is that?

What's missing?

Acknowledgement and appreciation. Yes, acknowledgment, a pat on the back, appreciation. The simplicity of a thank you.

Now be honest.

Do you treat yourself like this imaginary boss. Do you work for a boss (you) who does not pause to say thank you, atta girl/boy, good job . . . . ?

Many of us tend to focus on what is next and what is not yet finished rather than taking the time to fully engage in the fourth stage of "The Cycle of Productivity." Acknowledging and appreciating.

By omitting this important step, we eventually find our enthusiasm and joy for life diminishing. We do not feel like we're getting anywhere in our life and we experience little satisfaction.

That's why, for me, pausing to reflect and acknowledge myself and my productivity is a powerful way to end my year.

I find this process to be energizing. Have you ever noticed how much fun it is to cross something off your to-do-list? Have you noticed that spark of energy that comes forward as you complete those incompletions that have been hanging around?

Taking time to acknowledge your year works in a similar way and generates energy and aliveness.

During this process I also take the time to look at the things I did not get done that I had intended to and I allow myself to wonder: nn~ Did I expect more of myself than was possible? nn~ Did other things come forward that were not expected that turned out to be better tha
I had imagined? nn~ Are there any self-judgments that need to be forgiven? nn~ Do I need to declare any of these items complete and accept I no longer am pursuing them?

And finally I ask myself: nn~ What have I learned?

Our lives are full of lessons and opportunities for growth. Imagine yourself a year ago and see yourself now. Wow! Pretty amazing? Often we are so involved with what is going on right now we lose perspective on what we have gained over time. We forget how rich we are and how blessed we are.

Let me encourage you to end this year with a bang by celebrating yourself for all you have done and all that you are!

Next year I am going to be writing about the process of creativity and how to manifest and achieve your goals and dreams. This ritual of completion becomes a foundation for that process.

Here's wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a glorious new year.

Love and blessings,

Leslie nn<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>

QUOTES: nn<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>

"Increasing your self-esteem is easy. Simply do goodnthings and remember that you did them."n~ John-Roger ~

"When you find achievements to celebrate, younnourish your spirit and motivate yourself."n~ Jinny S. Ditzler ~ nn<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>

PRACTICALLY SPEAKING nn<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<> nn~ Make your list of accomplishments for the year 2001. nn~ Give yourself a giant atta girl/boy! nn~ List the mistakes, regrets, things you wish you hadn't done or said in the past year. nn~ Throw away or burn the 'mistake' list. nn~ Forgive yourself. nn~ Forgive yourself for judging anyone else. nn~ Ask yourself "What have I learned this year?" nn~ List the people who most made a difference in your life this year. nn~ Let these people know about it in some way. nn<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>

WONDER QUESTIONS: nn<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<>===<> nn~ How has this year been better tha
I could have imagined? nn~ How has not accomplishing something I thought I wanted moved me to an even better place in my life? nn~ What am I grateful for? nn^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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