20140101The Bucket List Part 2

Here we are again, with another New Year under our belts, looking at what we’re doing, reflecting back on what we’ve done, and evaluating our choices moving forward. Me, I’ve been examining how my new direction has been playing out.  Hello, 2014.  My life plan is rolling out quite nicely.  Happy New Year. 

No more reacting to the world around me, but instead, living with purpose. Letting go is difficult.  Change is scary. It’s not easy to leave one’s comfort zone, but I’ve done it. Having a life plan, and living with purpose provides a feeling of control over life, amidst all of the things we have no control over.  I am rewarded with a life filled with adventure, freedom and joy.

I continue to not be one to generate a “starting next year, I’m not going to ……” list, or the classic New Year’s Resolutions list.  Instead, I pause to look back and remind myself of the lessons learned the past year.  Things look a little different after doing a better job of taking charge of my life.  Taking heed to those lessons, and applying them forward, helps me to stay on track with my plan, with grace and humility.

Top 20 Lessons I’ve learned in 2013:

1. With loss, whether material or emotional, there is always a gain somewhere to balance the blow; you just have to look deep enough to find it.
2. Giving, for the sheer sake of ‘random act of kindness’ giving, is the only way to truly give of yourself.  The key to successful giving is to absolutely not expect anything at all in return.  Otherwise, you are not giving, but generating an “exchange” (clearly one sided), and if the receiving party is typical, chances are, you will be disappointed.
3. The GPS isn’t always right.  Knowing how to read an actual map is priceless.
4. In my case “Leap, and the net will appear.” has proved to be true every time I’ve  jumped.  Trust yourself, your instincts, your higher power, and the system. The net is not always easily identifiable, but it is always there.
5. There is wealth of guidance, lessons and general information just waiting to be tapped into from the minds and hearts of those older than you.
6. Some people are never going to agree with or understand you or your beliefs.  Rather than try to change them, their views, or their perceptions, walk away knowing you choose the high road.
7. True kinship does not necessarily mean you need to maintain an ongoing active relationship with everyone in your world, but when you do come together it’s as though you were never gone.  Family is a relative term that can be used to describe people in your network as you see fit.
8. If you’re doing all the initiating, it’s probably not a healthy situation.
9. Recognizing harmful people and circumstances, accepting them as such and letting go early on, only saves you that much more energy for the wonderful people and experiences that enrich your life.  Health is everything, physical, emotional and mental.
10. Letting go of things I thought I couldn’t live without, in order to start something I know I cannot live without, is not so hard after all.  Individual wants and perceptions often loose importance when considered against a Life Plan.  If it’s not part of the solution, it’s likely part of the problem.  Click. Gone. Done.
11. Not all business opportunities are what they seem. If it feels like you’re going to get burned, you probably will.
12. The power of “No.” It’s not just a negative word.  It is also an empowering, word that brings freedom, honesty, and can even strengthen and help others when used properly.  Never be afraid to “just say no”.
13. No matter how you slice it, people choose to make time for what’s important to them.  Read between the lines.  Zero tolerance for excuses.
14. Just because you can see the potential, doesn’t mean the other guys can.  Just because they can’t see it today, doesn’t mean they won’t tomorrow.  If tomorrow comes and they refuse to look, chalk it up to another beautiful fantasy vision on your part, and move on.  You can’t want it “for” them, they have to want it for themselves, and not everyone does.
15. Everything earthly is temporary.  Over reacting doesn’t change that.
16. “Please” and “Thank You” are two of the most important, and seem to have become the least used phrases in the human language. Saying them can make a person’s day. Not saying them can end up ruining yours. Saying them and actually meaning them, not only shows respect and gratitude to the person you’re addressing, but demonstrates to them you are genuine, and appreciate their gestures.
17. There are only 24 hours in a day.  It’s okay to plan some things for tomorrow.
18. Forgive and Forget doesn’t work unless you do both parts.  If you can’t forget, you haven’t truly forgiven.  No one has the power to conquer the invisible wall, and it’s not fair to put one up. Tear down the wall and keep in mind, not forgiving is a very heavy burden to carry.
19. There is always another way.  Always.
20. Although it’s hard to imagine, 99% of everything is a choice. It all starts with choosing how you respond to what happens next. 

That said, I continue to approach things with enthusiasm, and conviction.  Sure, a few micro adjustments will be implemented along the way.  But I can say wholeheartedly that life is good, life is rich, with laughter, love and joy.  I am blessed with good health, wonderful people I love to pieces, opportunity that excites and inspires me, and a strong sense of self to power me forward fearlessly.

I wish this for everyone in 2014 and beyond.

Happy New Year!

Stay tuned, How To Create a Life Plan 101 is coming soon…