Contemplating Life’s Choices

In my last post I mentioned not having my goal setting process completed for the year. I’m feeling ok with that but I also didn’t want to not start on the couple of things that felt right for this year. One of them is to work through 52 Weeks of Contemplation.

The idea that came to me was a challenge to really get to know yourself over the course of the year. The exploration would create a space so that over the next 52 weeks you could:

• Get to know yourself beyond the usual labels (mother, sister, job title, etc.)
• Better express yourself (what lights you up and how do you want to make your mark in the world)
• Be a better leader (not just formal people management but leading within your family or your community too)
• Own your own career growth (because unless you are independently wealthy we all have to figure out a way to afford the lives we want to live)
  • Sub note here, I understand that some folks have the privilege of living off one income and may not feel they need to think about a career, however, I believe that it never hurts to build skills and a network as a backup plan and to continue to explore yourself anyway. If this isn’t for you you can always skip the questions related to career.
• Embrace what makes you unique and special (I think there’s so much beauty in so many of us just waiting to be shared with the world)

Think of this as an opportunity to take time for yourself to get to know yourself and to see where this takes you. It could be a simple exercise that affirms what you already know or it could be the thing that helps you realize there is so much more for you that is worth exploring.

1. Calendar the time for this. I will post the question of the week every Wednesday morning so whether you want to plan for some time that day or on the weekend book the time for yourself in your calendar so you don’t forget and so you can prioritize this time for you.
2. Speaking of writing, plan to write it down. Buy a journal, find an old notebook, or create a blog where you can write down and revisit your responses. Part of the beauty of this work is in being able to go back and review later on. Sometimes you’ll find you’ve achieved what you thought was only a dream and other times you’ll find your priorities have changed and that’s ok too.
3. Create a space that makes this activity a true contemplation and reflection. This could mean lighting a candle, sitting outside (maybe not here in UT where there’s a ton of snow out), having a special cup of tea, going to your favorite local coffee shop or book store, or whatever you use to signal to yourself that this is your time to go deeper in this work.

So, if you’re ready for this, get your pen and paper or set up that blog where you’ll write down your thoughts so we can contemplate together. We’re starting this Wednesday and will continue each week with a new prompt for you to discover. I hope you’ll join me in this exploration!