As the year comes to a close, it is traditional to reflect back upon the past 12 months and ‘review’ our year. There are many questions that you could ask yourself…What were my successes?, What were my challenges? What am I grateful for? What were the standout events? What was unforgettable? What would you like to forget? What did I learn?

As you journal, create dream boards, or share with our friends the answers to these questions, I invite you to ponder two more questions as you purposefully bring closure to this year.

Did I show up for my life ? How did I show up ?

If you answer this question with rigorous honesty and humility, you may be able to set a course for yourself in 2019 that allows you to be more fulfilled and more joyous. You can bring forward all those desirable traits and leave the less-than-desirable traits behind. I’m inspired by Sara Groves’ song, “Just Showed Up For My Own Life” :

 

There are so many ways to hide

There are so many ways not to feel

There are so many ways to deny what is real

And I just showed up for my own life

And I’m standing here taking it in and it sure looks bright

I’m going to live my life inspired

Look for the holy in the common place

Open the windows and feel all that’s honest and real until I’m truly amazed

I’m going to feel all my emotions

I’m going to look you in the eyes

I’m going to listen and hear until it’s finally clear and it changes our lives

 

As I reflect on my year, I know I showed up as present, kind, purposeful, compassionate, eager to learn, resourceful, fun, silly, inclusive, passionate, authentic, driven, supportive, creative, loving, and generous. I also showed up as impatient, tired, detached, frustrated, critical, gossipy, serious, indecisive, inattentive, inauthentic, opinionated and reactive. As I create my Goals for 2019, I intend to focus on my values, my character, and my impact. What I accomplish pales in comparison to to how I show up in the world. My choice – each and every day – is to truly LIVE the life that I have been given, to act with INTEGRITY and CONTRIBUTE to a better world. I know that when I bring these qualities into my relationships and my work, I am more fulfilled.

It is the end of another year. It is time to pause, reflect, be honest and be curious. It is time to set a course of action for ourselves moving forward. And remember, every day, you have a chance to start again and be your best self!

Did you show up today ? How did you show up ?