So, here we are coming into the last days of 2010. I am grateful that my mind has been free enough to think about what I would like for 2011. I have learned from past experience that when I set a theme for the year, I am more apt to attract those things which are in alignment with my theme AND I become more aware on a daily basis if I am choosing activities and behaviours that are in line with my theme. Personally, it has been a very effective way for me to life the life I want. And conversely, when I am not in alignment with my theme, I know it. Sometimes it leads me to feel despairing. But even that can eventually propel me to re-align my life so I am on track. This has sometimes necessitated major lifestyle changes for me but it has always been worth it.
Also, the power of setting intentions seems to release 'forces in the universe' that coalesce with what you are asking for at the time. The best way to do this is to create a short 5 to 7-word sentence that clearly articulates your desire in a grammatically positive statement. For example, "I experience emotional equanimity." instead of "I don't want to feel like I am on an emotional roller coaster." In the latter sentence the focus is still on what you don't want. Like I say to my clients: "What you think is what you get." So state what you want clearly, briefly and in the positive. Another example: "I enjoy financial comfort." This doesn't say HOW it will happen. That part is not up to you. Give the universe the free reign to bring it in delightfully surprising ways to you. Once you see this happening in your life, you will be able to trust this unseen force a little more. Experience is always the best evidence.
Now, what is the difference between a theme and an intention. The best way of describing it is that a theme is like an umbrella or overall intention. It is the mother of intentions. And it is something so simple that it is easy to call to mind in the busyness of doing life over the year of the theme. So, one year, I set a theme, "I am visible." This theme alone created a transformative year that showed me how I tend to do everything alone and don't share or ask for help. No wonder I felt alone and my goals felt onerous to achieve. Once I connected with this theme over and over again in the moment, I would do one small thing differently. I would call a friend and ask them what they thought of a writing piece. I would hire someone with excellent marketing and communication skills to develop copy for a course I was developing. I would call a friend to go for a walk when I was feeling in need of company instead of sitting alone and moping about my situation. All these little things started adding up and it had a big effect on my life. It started changing. From dinner alone to cooking dinner with a friend. From struggling with a writing piece to giving it life by sharing it with a few trusted others. From looking for a good book to read to asking a friend what they were reading lately that was good. All these things add up. It is not the big things that make a big difference. It is the little things that each of us can do that accumulate and make a big difference. We can all do this.
Part of creating a flourishing life is to increase positive emotions relative to negative emotions. We have both. It is part of being human and fluctuates daily. However, our task in creating a flourishing life is in having more positive emotions than negative on an ongoing basis. There are many ways of doing this, which will be discussed in this newsletter and blog over its lifetime. One of the ways is to set a theme.
So, what is your theme going to be for 2011?
Examples:
Make yourself visible.
This year I fly.
It doesn't have to be hard and I don't have to do it alone.
I enjoy financial comfort.
My life is integrated.
The flourishing life is mine to live.
I have a choice.
I am allowed to have boundaries
I am allowed to feel safe.
I say yes when I want to and no when I want to.
Content this year
You could also focus on the nine areas of wealth and set a theme on the one that is most important to you.
Knowledge, talent, experience, character, community, connection, relationships, finances, energy and health.
You could focus on a feeling state that you would like to have as the over-riding state in which you operate this year - contentment, peace, freedom, joy.
Be creative and choose what speaks to you. I wish you a happy year from The Flourishing Life Coach
Until next time, Johanna
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