I've been thinking a lot about New Years Resolutions and new beginnings and reinventing the self. If you are feeling empowered by any of the above so far in 2023, bravo! Nice work-this post is not for you.
But if you are more like me, and feeling tired of "self improvement" then let's talk! A central tennent of my coaching is that you are naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. As Joni Mitchell puts it, "We are stardust, we are golden". However we do seem to be caught in the "devils bargain" We put so much pressure on ourselves to work hard, even struggle, for changes or shifts we want to make.
I think making changes can actually be a fun process. Fulfilling and empowering. We just need to discover and take stock of our resources! We can only create from materials we have. No one can build a stone house out of wood! So, whatcha got?
Here is a list of ways to find your strengths and resources:
Send a message to 10 friends/family/colleagues. Ask them 2 questions : What can you count on me for? What is my best quality? Make a list of their answers. Highlight answers that point to the same qualities in you. Those are your superpowers!!!
Make a list of all the people that have ever supported you, sent good intentions, or prayed for you. Enjoy feeling your support!
List 3 accomplishments/things you are proud of. Consider what qualities you were embodying when you did these things. Tune into who you were being!!! For example, I traveled in India alone in my 30s. I was being courageous. I was being adaptive. I was being free. Make a list of these qualities. These are inner resources.
Remember a time when everything felt aligned for you. When you were "in the zone". Which values of yours were being represented? What were the circumstances that allowed things to flow?
Write this all down and put it somewhere you can see. Do you have a goal for 2023? A shift you are trying to make? Which resources from this writing can aid you? Who do you need to be? What do you need to lean into? Is there someone who's support can help? You've had these strengths all along! You don't need to create a new you! May 2023 be the year you really see your wholeness and draw from your deep well of resources.
Shine on! ✨