Welcome to 2017! I hope your New Year is off to a promising start, both professionally and personally. As is my custom, this month’s Musings shares my “theme” for the year. For some time now, there has been a pull within me to let go of trying to do so much and strive so hard. As you might expect, I put a lot of time, thought and energy into my coaching work and my personal relationships. Both are extremely important to me. But last year I found myself using words like “too busy,” “no time,” and “feeling stressed” far too often to describe my life. I want to shed those perceptions, feelings and negative thinking. I long to tap into the part of myself that is centered, spacious and calm…the part that feels most truly Sharon.

Thus, my theme for 2017 is “Just Be.” It starts with being present. The term “being in the moment” is greatly overused – and also greatly underestimated in its power. If I can just be present, that takes me a long way toward my intentions to shift how I show up in the world. It is the centerpiece of how I can “just be.” And, in a world that is so full of negativity, I will just be positive. This change involves a change in my thinking, words, attitudes and actions. Easier said than done, but I’m on it. Of course, just being positive doesn’t change the fact that there is a lot of real suffering, anger and even evil in the world, but it helps me to recognize and pay more attention to the myriad things out there that are good, and start there.

I will just be peaceful. Peace resides at the very core of my being. It allows me to see things with clarity and equanimity. It is sourced in love. This year, I am also being more playful, which can be a wonderful counterbalance in a world that is often way too serious and sometimes downright scary. I am spending more time with friends with whom I can play, tell stories, and laugh about my many foibles. Seeing the humor in many situations helps me keep perspective. I’m devoting more time to having fun.

Finally, this year I find myself drawn to just be prayerful. The challenges we face in our communities, our country and the world at large seem to me insurmountable without prayer. Prayer is, of course, very personal. And, for me, it is a practice that is essential to my being.

I would love to hear from you if you have a theme or intentions for the year. Please know I am always available to support you in developing and then living out your theme. Regardless of how you approach life and work, may 2017 be a time of learning, laughter and love for you. Thank you for being in my life.

Warm regards,
Sharon
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