Making Effective Change

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished” - Lao Tzu

I decided to spend my morning meditation sitting on the dunes watching the sunrise. We had quite a wind storm here earlier in the week and it’s still blowing.

As I sat considering these ancient dunes it was apparent that though they have been there a long time they are not static. I could see the grains of sand moving and reshaping as I watched on.

A massive hillside of sand. Created one grain at a time by the tireless effort of wind and water.

I have been thinking a lot about how to create true change in my life. Like many people I struggle with habits and patterns of behavior that work at cross purposes to my life goals.

This time of year, it is very tempting to list out 30 new resolutions that I am determined to make happen in the New Year. Does this work for you? It has never worked for me.

I take on too much…Get bogged down…Loose site of the broader goal…And eventually I become the victim of my own self judgement.

My AA sponsor once overheard me sharing my inner critic and remarked, “Is there anyone else in the world you would let speak to you in that way?” Whoa! Wake up call.

This contemplation on making effective shifts in my life is one I am taking with me into the new year. I have two coaches and while they work with me on different areas of my life, generally speaking the guidance they offer is the same. Slow down…get more specific…make things simpler…celebrate the progress you’ve made.

The other thing they both offer is their knowledge of the specific path I am trying to walk. What make a guide a guide? They know the way.

The coaching I offer is based on lessons and mirroring that nature is always offering. As within, so without.

Clients who work with me are partnering with nature. I serve as a guide. See below for more information about how to connect with me.

If you are approaching the new year with a list of changes or resolutions you wish to make. Congratulations!

If you are concerned about actualizing those changes because you have failed to follow through in the past, you are not alone.

Here are some suggestions:

• Pick 1-3 changes off your list to begin with in the New Year

• Create a plan and put it into practice for the first 30-45 days of 2024

• Studies suggest it takes around 7 weeks to establish a new habit

• Consider working with a coach to help you see beyond your own limited view and to cheer you on.

• The 45th day of 2024 is Valentines Day. Consider taking yourself out on a date to celebrate your success.

I wish you all a very Blessed Solstice and a Happy New Year!