"The only constant in life is change."

As I sit here, I realise it is already half way through January 2024! January is often seen as a time to make resolutions, set goals, re-evaluate where our path is leading and seize the opportunity to create 'new beginnings'.  In recent years I haven't made resolutions but I do take time to contemplate lessons learned from the previous year and begin to look at the year ahead. 

2023 gave many opportunities to grow and learn! In many ways it was a very challenging year but, as I look back, there were so many amazing, wonderful moments.  I need to take more time to savour the positives.  That's something I share ALL the time with clients but often forget in my own life!  In amongst the challenges a new grand daughter was born and my partner and I made a commitment to each other, which is leading to further changes in our lives!  How can I look back at 2023 with anything other than joy?! 

With that in mind, I have begin to journal, something I have actively avoided in past years.  In December, I was given a journal as a Christmas gift and I took that as a sign that it was time to once again record the highs and lows, create written affirmations and celebrate achievements, big and small.  The physical activity of writing down (emptying out the mind) can be so therapeutic and I want to give myself the opportunity to feel the benefit of journalling again. This is a big step for me because I have memories of ripping up my teen diaries when I was still a teenager. I swore back then that I would never write down my innermost thoughts ever again. However, a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then and, in my wisdom years, I believe it's time to embrace the change of heart.  There have also been other significant changes in my personal and professional life that are impacting on life at the moment.

If you have followed me for any length of time you will know that I randomly choose a 16 Guidelines card when I am making any important decision or dealing with tricky situations.  Today, before randomly choosing a card, I sat for a while as I contemplated the changes currently going on in my life.  I was gifted 'Courage'! Perfect timing! 

Courage is the last of the 16 Guidelines. 'Courage is about stretch.  It's about seeing, feeling or realising that something more or different can be done, developing the determination to do it and then carrying it through despite all obstacles.  We know in our bodies when we've been courageous.  There is a glow of satiisfaction and relief.  Something has shifted and we have grown in size.   

Courage is not defined by what we do, but what we overcome within ourselves.  It comes in many forms.  It is found in a steady approach to everyday difficulties as well as in the single spontaneous gesture.  It is happening quietly all around us, as well as in the news. 

Courage involves acknowledging our fears but not being deterred from offering something that goes beyond our own immediate needs and comfort.  Most courageous people have decided that the well-being of others is more important than their own and have allowed this decision to drive their actions and the way they live.  Invariably, they seem to find their own happiness in the process.'     16G Handbook

It's time to embrace change with a good sprinkling of courage! If everything is changing, anything is possible!