Feeding the back yard birds during a light snowfall December 2015
WOW!
2015!!! Where did it go?
As I reflect on the year that is coming to a close a few things stand out for me which I am going to share with you in a little video I put together below.
There were moments of joy like when I was doing my life coach ‘thang’ at our nature and equus retreat at the Apache Springs ranch this past October, and the time when Oliver learned to ride his bike with no training wheels – Yay Oliver!
Or our peaceful Boxing Day walk down the country roads in Langley where we burned off those holiday calories. Just me and Steve, my Mom and the family dog, Oliver on his bike, while Ken and Will jumped ditches. There were hardly any other people around just the barnyard animals, nature and a lovely quiet.
Me and TJ at the Apache Springs Ranch for our Women in Transition equus and nature based coaching retreat October 2015, and with our lovely ladies and Juan below.
2015 also came with a few challenges too, like when Oliver was hurt by another child while at his special needs summer camp (which the supervisors failed to tell me about and I had to find out myself!), and there were the inevitable ups and downs that come with being a small business owner (everything is new! and don’t even get me started about technology!!!!) necessitating times where I had to sit and evaluate what was and was not working and then course correct.
There were also few scary times as well (‘test your limits’ kind of scary) like when I stepped into the horse ring with a thousand pound horse to be ‘coached’ for the first time, or the pre- presentation jitters that come when I run my Overwhelmed to Optimal coaching workshops with groups in the community and I look out at faces that I do not know (but I know that by the end we will have ‘closed the gap’ a bit so to speak (new friends!) which is such a perk!)
Prepping for an Overwhelmed to Optimal coaching workshop
And so another year has ticked by.
Do You Have Your ‘Word of the Year’ Picked Out?
Last year around this same time I did a post entitled ‘5 Keys to an Epic New Year‘. In it I talk about choosing a ‘Word of the Year’.
(*FYI- If you want a recap of the 5 Keys and find out more about choosing a “Word of the Year” I have included the link to that article at the bottom of this post.)
-In 2014 my word of the year was FREEDOM.
-In 2015 my word of the year was EASE.
In 2014 I did indeed create more freedom in my life. I left my long term job to start my coaching business because it was a dream of mine to do so, but also so I could spend more time with my boys, be home for them before and after school and be able to devote more time to my eldest son who with his Fragile X and Autism presents some unique challenges.
In 2015 I became better at weaving ease into my life, which can be tough to do when you are running your own business and have young children (and a homestay child too). Yet despite this my husband and I were able to steal away for a few days in February when we headed up to the mountains (Whistler), we also took a month off in June to visit the in-laws and travel in the UK, and in October TJ (my pal and fellow coach) and I made sure to incorporate periods of silence and solitude (for ourselves and our clients) into our Arizona retreat.
Will goofing around in the stocks
Touring a stately home in the June heat
Grandad and Susan’s place ‘The Limes’ – Ramsbury, UK
Just this month I also resolved to take time off during the lead up to Christmas (and after) so I could really chill and do all the fun holiday activities with my family, whether it was making fruitcake with my Mom or snowshoeing with Steve and the boys, and of course there was our annual ‘Girls Night Out’ where we go out for a delicious dinner, take in the lights and sights of Vancouver and stay for the night at a luxurious hotel.
We do this every year and I love it!
Decorating the tree with Oliver who NEVER wants to pose!
Girls Night Out 2015- leaving the Sutton Place Hotel for dinner at Lupo
The word I have chosen for 2016 is CLARITY because I am working towards a clearer vision of what I want my coaching practice to become and I am striving for more clarity in my home life too, which means prioritizing- so I can better focus my energies on things that are important as opposed to giving into energy ‘drains’ that are not in alignment with my goals.
So you won’t see me signing up for extra school or sports activities events out of obligation as I am big on protecting my time, because – like the title on that old soap opera, we really do only have ‘one life to live’.
For the most part this past year was filled with wonderful people and events all of which I am extremely GRATEFUL for.
How was 2015 for YOU?
Before I share with you a few more of the things that rocked my world in 2015 I would like you to take some time to consider how the year was for YOU…
- What were the highlights and lowlights?
- How did you handle them?
- What moment were you most proud of?
- Was there anything you would have done differently?
- Where did you really ‘kick butt’ in your life in 2015?
- What areas may need some work in 2016?
If you haven’t already done so I would encourage you to take some time to reflect on the year that is ending, to ‘close it out’ so to speak, because by doing so you are preparing yourself for the new year ahead.
Yep-
Twelve blank calendar months just waiting for you to fill them up… and it is only by looking back that we can clearly look forward and have a vision of the kind of year we hope to create.
So carve out some time for yourself if you can, you will be glad you did!
OK – here goes.
My short video compilation of the things that rocked my world these last 365 days.
Stuff That Rocked My World in 2015
And if you are keen to find out more deets about how to create an epic year check out the link below.
Will and I – a post Christmas pose in front of our Charlie Brown tree that we cut down from my parents place
Thx for allowing me space in your in-box!
Virtual ‘clink’ of the champagne glass as I wish you and your nearest and dearest a Happy New Year!
xo
Eliz