Reflecting on What's Done

Celebrate what happened in 2018

Before we move on from focusing on the New Year, I'd like to invite you to take a look back through the lens of appreciation. And, let's add a little humility and humor into the mix, before we look at the details. I love how this quote from French scholar and philosopher, Alain de Botton sums up our potential reflective gleanings nicely:

“Anyone who isn't embarrassed of who they were last year probably isn't learning enough.” ― Alain de Botton

I know I always seek to be learning something new. We know from research that humans are most happy when they are learning and expanding their sense of self. Let's all commit to continued learning in 2019! Let's learn so much that we make sure we'll be embarrassed of who we are a year from now, shall we?

If you are anything like me, you tend to set goals, accomplish them, and then look immediately to what is next without pausing to celebrate, digest, and fully receive the experiences we just had. In reflecting on 2018, I was able to make quite a list of what the year held and it has been helpful to reflect and acknowledge all the year held.

So, how about you? Try listing what happened in your life this year in the following categories: Physical wellness, Psychological and Spiritual health, Creation, Exploration, Play, Community, Material shifts, Connection, Livelihood, Career, and influence, Relationship & Family.

What were the lessons you learned in 2018? What goals did you accomplish? How have you evolved since January 1, 2018? What were the growth opportunities that came your way this year? What are you most proud of? Write it down and send it to me, or share it with someone close to you who can affirm your shifts. It is important to be witnessed in our evolution!

For example, after pondering the categories and questions above here is the list I made (in no particular order).

In 2018, I: Taught over 200 yoga classes, enrolled in Yoga Health Coaching, went to the gym 3-5 days a week, turned 40, launched the Vitality Circle, taught pottery at John C. Campbell Folk School, traveled to Mexico, ended a relationship, taught Yoga at Penland School of Crafts, traveled to Salt Lake City, let go of the desire to have a baby, hosted Solstice and Equinox Yoga and Ayurveda Retreats, celebrated my Grammy's 95th Birthday, started playing guitar again, split a lot of wood, spent time with friends of all ages, meditated daily, fell deeply in love, finally completed my RYT 500 Yoga teacher certification, was a featured artist on the new AMACO ceramics poster, celebrated my father turning 70, traveled to the beach (twice), navigated staying in touch with my twin sister while she and her family are living in Spain, taught lots of Ayurveda Workshops, learned lots of new tech skills, did some deep work on forgiveness, biked the VA Creeper trail, bought a new car, have never felt stronger in my body and mind, danced with Dame's Rocket and was featured in a documentary about Morris Dancers in Brasstown, was a guest artist at Young Harris College, have become more excited about sharing through writing, grieved my Grammy's death, practiced letting go, spent a few weeks with family in Baltimore, started making my own yoga videos, ate lots of good food, made many amazing connections with people and places, and supported hundreds of people in making positive change in their lives.

Whew! 2018 was a big year! Sure there are memories I find embarrassing, but that's part of humility and growth.I experience learning that continues, and I am eager for more in 2019.