What a year it has been for each and every one of us. With not a single person being unaffected by the global pandemic, we've had unity and division like never before. Making a decision early in 2020, I have been on a mission to clear out, clean up and let go of what no longer serves me. And, as the year draws to a close, I'm feeling better and better from doing so.
With the simple, yet incredibly effective, new regimes and practices I have put in place life is good, and I'm super-excited about the new year and what it holds. So, what have I done that has made such a difference? Moving On Starting at the beginning of the year I made the decision to stop communicating with those who had been unkind, judgemental or critical. This immediately gave me a sense of peace and calm and as the year has progressed these feelings have only increased. Questioning Where to Next Next, I began to think about the things I've always wanted to do. This, sadly was prompted by my brother passing away on New Year's Eve 2019. Even though he'd been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer 18 months earlier, his death changed me, as it always does. It got me thinking that perhaps there is not as much time left as I think. And, regardless of whether there is or not, it was time to start focusing on what I really wanted to do in life. For me, the answer to those questions were easy. I'd always loved to write, and help others. With a passion for personal development that started back in 1989 when I first entered Psychotherapy to deal with the untimely death of my mother (she was 47, I was 12), this had to my next business venture. It was a no-brainer for me. Back in 1998 I'd started down this track with the creation of affirmation cards which I sold in 40 retail stores nationwide, and later goal setting and vision board workshops. But, circumstances took me back to the corporate world for a time, and then into other business ventures. The All Important Sleep I'd not been sleeping well for years, which of course got way worse with menopause, and the stress of the last few years. A chance (or totally synchronistic) chat with a retail assistant at a health store ended up changing my life. Having tried many things, I decided give it one more shot and ask for a sleep remedy, and boy oh boy, am I glad I did. Off I trotted with my Weleda Sleep & Relax Drops in my hand, and I must admit, a whole pile of skeptical thoughts. And, how wrong I was. The drops have been like a miracle. Now, I sleep more soundly, and for longer stretches at a time, than I have in 10 years. Next it was time to address our bed. For a few years now I've needed more support, and my husband likes less, so we've had a bit of a dilemma. We'd attempted to resolve this a few. months ago but were told there was no longer a solution of two different mattresses being zipped together or one large one being two different firmnesses. But, we tried again and found Matt at SleepMode in Mt Maunganui, whom we highly recommend. He knows his stuff having worked within the bed manufacturing industry, is in no way pushy, and provides superb service. We chose to go with memory foam mattresses and we're so glad we did. Each of us have what suits us best, they push together nicely and you'd never even know they were two separate long single beds (which comes out at the size of a super king). With having had better sleep now for a month, I feel like a new person. Clearing Out & Cleaning Up In the house and garden it's been all go. With a major clearing out and cleaning up session or sessions (there have been several), we've removed a large percentage of our garden and returned it to lawn, and replaced the garden beds around the house with river stones and weed mat. This too has had a massive impact on the way I think and feel. Previously with overgrown gardens that never looked tidy, I'd not enjoy going outside at all. Now, I love driving up the driveway and walking around the house because it's all neat and tidy. With running two businesses from home, our garage gets into a state too. And, I've become a bit of a hoarder over the last few years with upcycling projects lined up that I just haven't had time for. These along with other things, meant our garage was always in a mess. Slowly, I'm working through this and it will be finished by the end of the year. Where To Next Having re-started my blogging and coaching business this year, and writing my first book (well, finishing my first book; many have been started over the years), I'm so excited about 2021. My plan is to offer one-on-on personal coaching (and business coaching if anyone wants it), run personal development workshops and retreats, continue with my blog and write more books. Without a doubt, 2020 has been challenging for us all. But like anything that is confronting, we can learn a great deal, if we so choose. What have you learnt this year about yourself and life? I'd love to know. Tell me in the comments. Until next time,
