In the hilarious Oscar Wilde play "The importance of being Ernest" the plot revolves around the following deception:
"Jack Worthing, the play’s protagonist, is a pillar of the community in Hertfordshire, where he is guardian to Cecily Cardew, the pretty, eighteen-year-old granddaughter of the late Thomas Cardew, who found and adopted Jack when he was a baby. In Hertfordshire, Jack has responsibilities: he is a major landowner and justice of the peace, with tenants, farmers, and a number of servants and other employees all dependent on him. For years, he has also pretended to have an irresponsible black-sheep brother named Ernest who leads a scandalous life in pursuit of pleasure and is always getting into trouble of a sort that requires Jack to rush grimly off to his assistance. In fact, Ernest is merely Jack’s alibi, a phantom that allows him to disappear for days at a time and do as he likes. No one but Jack knows that he himself is Ernest. Ernest is the name Jack goes by in London, which is where he really goes on these occasions—probably to pursue the very sort of behavior he pretends to disapprove of in his imaginary brother."*
The comedic illusion that the character Jack Worthing engages in got me thinking about the ways we choose to connect with others. For so many years as an HR professional in a global organisation, I had automatic entree to a massive number of people of vastly differing backgrounds and focus. Generally it required very little effort on my part to connect. People would constantly seek me out, perhaps looking for me to provide advice or simply listen to their perspective. When I suddenly stopped working in that environment, one aspect of this change that ,kept me up nights' was the prospect of losing all those connections that I had assumed for so long and having little to replace them.
Planning for my new lifestyle involved, in part, thinking deeply about how I would maintain connections from my past and build new connections around the way my life would now play out. Looking back a year later, I feel very satisfied with this aspect of my life.
So what has influenced this outcome?
The dimension of time changes markedly when you retire. Instead of the demands of others dictating the pace at which you will move and the direction that you'll move in, it is your own inner motivation that will determine how you choose to spend your time. Consciously committing time to connecting with people in a wide variety of ways has been critical to meeting my objectives in this regard. How often have you spoken to a person who has retired and they say "I'm just so busy, I don't know how I had time for work". I discovered that there are virtually limitless things with which to occupy my time. Some necessary, some interesting and some tedious. I came to recognise very quickly that I needed to consciously allocate time to contact and spend time with people to meet my own needs for connectedness.
As I have mentioned previously, planning is second nature to me having been an integral part of my career. In some senses, it seems silly to me to plan to connect with people. Surely connections just emerge and form naturally. In January last year, I remember waking one morning and my first thought was "this is the Monday when everybody returns to work after the Christmas break, but not me". This was a 'moment of truth' for me as it was the first year in many that what had been my normal life habit would deviate significantly. It was an emotional moment, but also confirmation that I would need to be proactive in creating a new habit. And so, as a key element of my life plan (first put together last January) was how and with who I wanted to build my new connectedness.
Social media fascinates me. At its worst it eats time, facilitates destructive behaviours and potentially reduces communication to glib one-liners. On the other hand, it provides an excellent source of timely information, enables instant global connection and facilitates the diversity of relationships that I value. I have taken time to experiment with social media (Including this blog) and I have concluded that it is invaluable, particularly for a person with a disability and limited mobility to reach out into the world and remain both informed and connected. For me, a shared meal or coffee is still the most enjoyable and relaxing way for me to connect with others, however perhaps because of distance, busyness or other factors, those direct interactions are not always feasible. Blending social media with 'opportunities to dine' has provided me with a very satisfying level and style of connectedness.
I also think there is a question of relevance. In the corporate world you possess positional relevance and usually it causes people to need or want to connect with you. I have so appreciated the way in which past work colleagues have continued to maintain our relationship and indeed build it into a different form. People like Julieanne have been very caring and generous in reaching out to me and providing support beyond our shared work place. New connections have also emerged. Daniel, who values my perspective and experience in relation to building his career. He sees relevance in our discussions and I value the opportunity to share with another what I have learned over time. And then there is Gary, a long-standing mate who has a busy and demanding job and a hectic family life. I now have time and he makes it and we go to one of my favourite cafes, share a coffee and talk about life – laugh some and try and solve the world's problems.
All of these connections are quite different in many ways but I they each add so much to the quality of my life as I hope it does for each of those people with whom I connect.
Recently I have been reading the book "The Essence of Health". In part it emphasises the importance of being connected to our good health. MS is a disease which steadily progresses but often in a disjointed and unpredictable way. To some degree I am dependent on the outstanding medical advice and support provided to me by my neurologist, Helmut but I am also arrogant enough to believe that I can influence the course of this disease by my own efforts. And so, the character that I used to play when working has vanished and I am now cast as a retired person with a disability. For some this new role has no relevance or is perhaps confusing or confronting. My experience to date is that you can construct your role to suit your needs. By virtue of taking time, planning, leveraging opportunities and ensuring that I remain relevant, I have a way and volume of connectedness that has added much pleasure to my new life and I perceive played in important part in steadying my health.
Thank you to all of you who have connected with me. Each of you have given me much more than you will ever know and appreciate.
To draw on the final sentiment expressed in Oscar Wilde's play "I've now realised for the first time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest"** Or in this case Being Connected.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Follow one man's day to day experience of living with multiple sclerosis via Twitter – andy_melb or through my Facebook page.
*Extract from website - SparkNotes
** Extract from the script of "The Importance of being Ernest" by Oscar Wilde
Thursday, 30 January 2014
Friday, 24 January 2014
Billy the Brave
It's early evening and my home is quiet and peaceful. Earlier today I had the privilege of attending an event to celebrate the life of Billy the Brave. Billy Burns Fotheringham only had the opportunity to be with his mum and dad, Michelle and Hugh for 6 1/2 months. Because of a rare genetic condition, Billy was unwell for a good portion of his short life and passed away so much more prematurely than anyone would have hoped.
I have pondered today whether or not to write about Billy and his mum and dad in my blog. Ultimately I have been so moved by the opportunity to celebrate Billy's life and to hear from those closest to him in such a candid and touching way that I yearn not to miss the opportunity to reflect quietly, take what I might from one of life's most precious experiences and share it with each of you so that you to might pause to reflect and in turn create a more enriched life for yourself.
What was it that I saw, heard and experienced today? Of course there were the obvious things that each of us experiences at this type of event. There were moments of solemnity, sadness, grief, fragility and reflection. But there was also humour, courage and empathy.
And what did I feel during this time with Hugh and Michelle and their closest family and friends?
In the first instance, I felt privileged and honoured for the opportunity to hear so graphically of Billy's life and the time that he spent with his parents. I felt respected in that Hugh had gone to some trouble to ensure that I could readily participate in the celebration of Billy's today. I felt immense sadness for Michelle and Hugh and their families. I have great respect for both Michelle and Hugh drawn from my interactions with them in a shared workplace. This measure of respect has been immeasurably heightened by virtue of my interaction with them today. I felt happy and joyful to understand so personally the life and time that Billy was able to share with his parents and wider family despite the significant health impediments that confronted him and ultimately took his life.
Ultimately I describe my experience as a privilege because of what I have taken away from the events of today. After arriving home from the city, I tweeted that Billy's life and passing "puts all else in perspective". Whilst I still have a cauldron of emotions from my experiences today, at this time of quiet reflection what stays with me most is a sense of inspiration. Inspiration from Billy and the way he embraced his short life despite the severe circumstances with which he was confronted. Inspiration from Hugh through the strength and courage that he showed us all in sharing so openly and personally about Billy, his life and the time with he and Michelle. Inspiration from Michelle through her courage to show her fragility and reach out to so many others at her time of utmost grief. Inspiration from all those who embraced Hugh and Michelle at this time and provided them with the support that they needed today and into the future.
Thank you Hugh and Michelle for your openness and willingness to share Billy the Brave's life, you're special time with him and your emotions. Through this event you have honoured your son and you have given us all a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect and consider our own lives to identify those things that we can embrace from Billy as well as both of your examples to enhance our own lives. For as sure as I am that you will never forget Billy, I will never forget him either and the example and inspiration that he has brought to my life.
I have pondered today whether or not to write about Billy and his mum and dad in my blog. Ultimately I have been so moved by the opportunity to celebrate Billy's life and to hear from those closest to him in such a candid and touching way that I yearn not to miss the opportunity to reflect quietly, take what I might from one of life's most precious experiences and share it with each of you so that you to might pause to reflect and in turn create a more enriched life for yourself.
What was it that I saw, heard and experienced today? Of course there were the obvious things that each of us experiences at this type of event. There were moments of solemnity, sadness, grief, fragility and reflection. But there was also humour, courage and empathy.
And what did I feel during this time with Hugh and Michelle and their closest family and friends?
In the first instance, I felt privileged and honoured for the opportunity to hear so graphically of Billy's life and the time that he spent with his parents. I felt respected in that Hugh had gone to some trouble to ensure that I could readily participate in the celebration of Billy's today. I felt immense sadness for Michelle and Hugh and their families. I have great respect for both Michelle and Hugh drawn from my interactions with them in a shared workplace. This measure of respect has been immeasurably heightened by virtue of my interaction with them today. I felt happy and joyful to understand so personally the life and time that Billy was able to share with his parents and wider family despite the significant health impediments that confronted him and ultimately took his life.
Ultimately I describe my experience as a privilege because of what I have taken away from the events of today. After arriving home from the city, I tweeted that Billy's life and passing "puts all else in perspective". Whilst I still have a cauldron of emotions from my experiences today, at this time of quiet reflection what stays with me most is a sense of inspiration. Inspiration from Billy and the way he embraced his short life despite the severe circumstances with which he was confronted. Inspiration from Hugh through the strength and courage that he showed us all in sharing so openly and personally about Billy, his life and the time with he and Michelle. Inspiration from Michelle through her courage to show her fragility and reach out to so many others at her time of utmost grief. Inspiration from all those who embraced Hugh and Michelle at this time and provided them with the support that they needed today and into the future.
Thank you Hugh and Michelle for your openness and willingness to share Billy the Brave's life, you're special time with him and your emotions. Through this event you have honoured your son and you have given us all a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect and consider our own lives to identify those things that we can embrace from Billy as well as both of your examples to enhance our own lives. For as sure as I am that you will never forget Billy, I will never forget him either and the example and inspiration that he has brought to my life.
Monday, 20 January 2014
Getting off track...
There are days from time to time when things happen or people behave in a way that cause me to become dejected and demoralised. When this happens, I 'drop my bundle', lose sight of my plan and withdraw from contact with people and attending to those things that move me forward. I generally don't find myself in this space very often nor for very long. But when I do, although I am reluctant to move on, deep within myself I know it is not where I want to be and counter-productive to what I want to achieve.
Over the last week, this is where I have been. Why? The weather was too hot, some things that I had planned did not happen or did not go according to my plan and a couple of people did not live up to my expectations or needs. On reflection, did I have a choice to react the way that I did or to rise above it all and push on for a better outcome? Of course, but I chose the wrong path and sunk into a period of withdrawal, blame and sadness. In hindsight, as is always the case when I end up here, I know that this was not the best choice for me to make. I lost direction, slowed my plan and missed out on opportunities to buoy my own life and to contribute to the celebrations and joy of others.
On the other hand, it did give me an opportunity to pause and reflect. As a result, I have gradually been able to identify things that I might do differently in the future as well as actions that I can take to exert some control in relation to some of those things that occurred. I feel as though (if I take those actions) the next time some or all of those impediments crop up, I will be able to react differently and therefore get a better result.
Life is full of challenges, particularly when you are living with a condition such as MS. Sitting back and watching others and how they tackle impediments with which they are faced I have learned much. It seems to me that people make choices every day. Some people elect to approach their lives in a positive way despite their circumstances while others choose a less productive direction. I have made to choice to go with the former, to have a plan, to work hard to execute that plan and to do it with the demeanour that attracts others to me and gives me the potential to inspire others and influence them toward a positive direction.
But where and how to draw inspiration for myself?
In the first instance, there are people and their stories right at hand that can provide that inspiration. I seek out people to be around me that are positive, work hard and strive for better outcomes for all irrespective of their circumstances. In the past week, two people have inspired me. One, who I know personally - my father-in-law Graham - celebrated his 80th birthday recently. He did not start out life with all the advantages and and opportunities that are available to many. Despite this, he has consistently seized opportunities and built relationships that have enabled him to build a successful life for himself and exert a very positive influence and inspire those around him. I am also currently reading a book written by Phil Jackson (most notably NBA coach for the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers). He is not simply a success because of his knowledge and experience in the game of basketball. More so he has succeeded because of the relationships that he builds with others and the deliberation and planning that he undertakes in order to deliver successful outcomes on a repeat basis.
I have also developed a clear vision, plan and goals for my life. I started this process when I retired from full-time work last year. This month I have reviewed my performance for 2013 and concluded that I scored a 6 out of 10. Given that last year was my first in my new circumstances, I am comfortable that this was an acceptable result. I have just now completed my revised plan for 2014. I am happy with the experience and reflections that I have been able to bring forward to this plan from 2013. I feel confident that when I look back this time next year that I will be in a better place and achieved more than I did last year ensuring that my vision for life is top of mind and achievable.
Finally, I am drawing inspiration from time to reflect and ensuing changes to my plan or approach. Through mindful meditation and a sense of calm, I am gradually finding ways to improve my approach to life and my interactions with others. This path is not always 100% successful for me every time however I am greatly encouraged each time it does enable me to succeed as well as through the learnings I gain from those occasions when things do not go quite as I planned.
This week was clearly of the latter variety. Having levered myself from the mire and taken time to reflect, I feel stronger and much more focused on what I need to do next to deliver my plan. Thank you to those of you that have reached out to me in the past week. Your support and encouragement has been crucial to where I find myself now.
_________________________________________________________________________________
As a part of my plan for 2014, I am aiming to achieve two things:
I have decided that every day this year I will make a comment or an observation via Twitter about my experience of life with MS. You can find my daily tweet either at andy_melb (Tagged as MS365) on Twitter or by friending me on Facebook. I hope that you might find these tweets insightful and in some cases helpful. I am also doing this for my own benefit so that the end of this year I can look back on the good, the bad and the ugly and identify my opportunities to build an even better life.
I also intend to work hard at blogging on a regular basis. Again, I hope you might find my blogs engaging and helpful. You'll find my blog posts either at "Andy's Life with Possibilities" in Blogger or via my Twitter or Facebook accounts as mentioned above. I hope you draw enjoyment and a sense of inspiration from my blog and will support me by providing comment and feedback.
For me, these two endeavours are part of my personal development. As part of my life plan, I see social media as a key way for me to stay connected with people, learn from others and remain motivated and active in all of my different 'communities'.
Over the last week, this is where I have been. Why? The weather was too hot, some things that I had planned did not happen or did not go according to my plan and a couple of people did not live up to my expectations or needs. On reflection, did I have a choice to react the way that I did or to rise above it all and push on for a better outcome? Of course, but I chose the wrong path and sunk into a period of withdrawal, blame and sadness. In hindsight, as is always the case when I end up here, I know that this was not the best choice for me to make. I lost direction, slowed my plan and missed out on opportunities to buoy my own life and to contribute to the celebrations and joy of others.
On the other hand, it did give me an opportunity to pause and reflect. As a result, I have gradually been able to identify things that I might do differently in the future as well as actions that I can take to exert some control in relation to some of those things that occurred. I feel as though (if I take those actions) the next time some or all of those impediments crop up, I will be able to react differently and therefore get a better result.
Life is full of challenges, particularly when you are living with a condition such as MS. Sitting back and watching others and how they tackle impediments with which they are faced I have learned much. It seems to me that people make choices every day. Some people elect to approach their lives in a positive way despite their circumstances while others choose a less productive direction. I have made to choice to go with the former, to have a plan, to work hard to execute that plan and to do it with the demeanour that attracts others to me and gives me the potential to inspire others and influence them toward a positive direction.
But where and how to draw inspiration for myself?
In the first instance, there are people and their stories right at hand that can provide that inspiration. I seek out people to be around me that are positive, work hard and strive for better outcomes for all irrespective of their circumstances. In the past week, two people have inspired me. One, who I know personally - my father-in-law Graham - celebrated his 80th birthday recently. He did not start out life with all the advantages and and opportunities that are available to many. Despite this, he has consistently seized opportunities and built relationships that have enabled him to build a successful life for himself and exert a very positive influence and inspire those around him. I am also currently reading a book written by Phil Jackson (most notably NBA coach for the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers). He is not simply a success because of his knowledge and experience in the game of basketball. More so he has succeeded because of the relationships that he builds with others and the deliberation and planning that he undertakes in order to deliver successful outcomes on a repeat basis.
I have also developed a clear vision, plan and goals for my life. I started this process when I retired from full-time work last year. This month I have reviewed my performance for 2013 and concluded that I scored a 6 out of 10. Given that last year was my first in my new circumstances, I am comfortable that this was an acceptable result. I have just now completed my revised plan for 2014. I am happy with the experience and reflections that I have been able to bring forward to this plan from 2013. I feel confident that when I look back this time next year that I will be in a better place and achieved more than I did last year ensuring that my vision for life is top of mind and achievable.
Finally, I am drawing inspiration from time to reflect and ensuing changes to my plan or approach. Through mindful meditation and a sense of calm, I am gradually finding ways to improve my approach to life and my interactions with others. This path is not always 100% successful for me every time however I am greatly encouraged each time it does enable me to succeed as well as through the learnings I gain from those occasions when things do not go quite as I planned.
This week was clearly of the latter variety. Having levered myself from the mire and taken time to reflect, I feel stronger and much more focused on what I need to do next to deliver my plan. Thank you to those of you that have reached out to me in the past week. Your support and encouragement has been crucial to where I find myself now.
_________________________________________________________________________________
As a part of my plan for 2014, I am aiming to achieve two things:
I have decided that every day this year I will make a comment or an observation via Twitter about my experience of life with MS. You can find my daily tweet either at andy_melb (Tagged as MS365) on Twitter or by friending me on Facebook. I hope that you might find these tweets insightful and in some cases helpful. I am also doing this for my own benefit so that the end of this year I can look back on the good, the bad and the ugly and identify my opportunities to build an even better life.
I also intend to work hard at blogging on a regular basis. Again, I hope you might find my blogs engaging and helpful. You'll find my blog posts either at "Andy's Life with Possibilities" in Blogger or via my Twitter or Facebook accounts as mentioned above. I hope you draw enjoyment and a sense of inspiration from my blog and will support me by providing comment and feedback.
For me, these two endeavours are part of my personal development. As part of my life plan, I see social media as a key way for me to stay connected with people, learn from others and remain motivated and active in all of my different 'communities'.
Monday, 6 January 2014
Planning for the possibilities
It's that time of year when for so many years I would be starting to mentally and practically prepare for my return to work after my summer vacation. This is the second year when I know that, as many of you will be jumping right back into work next week, this time of year still feels a little odd and aimless for me. Old habits die hard.
Nonetheless, one habit from my career that always occurred around this time of year has stuck. At the moment I am starting to work on my plan for 2014. The process is comfortable and the product provides me with structure and balance for my daily life, just enough stress to keep the juices flowing as well as incentive and direction for action and my daily activities. While the key result areas are clearly different from those that I focused on during my career, I feel a strong affinity for the planning process and rewards that it can ultimately bring me. It feels very natural to work out my objectives for the year, identify the initiatives and activities to achieve those objectives and measures that will demonstrate whether I achieve what I am setting out to do.
Shortly before I ceased working, I consulted a number of people who had retired prior to me. The one consistent piece of feedback that I received from them, was to have a plan. Their advice made a lot of sense not only because the process has been a habit of mine for so many years but also faced with significant change, I felt that the process would help me to proactively refocus my life and achieve those things that I was now able to identify as being important to me, Julie, my family and friends. And so a year on, reviewing my goals and achievements for 2013, I see and feel satisfied with the value of the time spent constructing, working and monitoring my plan. In terms of outcomes, not every goal that I set myself last year has been achieved.
I do however feel very satisfied that I have successfully re-oriented my life, largely focused on those things that are of most importance to me now and ticked off a number of items that I set out to address through my plan. Perhaps of greatest importance to me is that I have succeeded in making the transition. I still feel connected to people - colleagues from the past, family members and friends and new people that I have been able to meet and bring in to my circle. Additionally, I feel as though I have been able to achieve a new balance in my life that I see as critically important to my well-being and continued enjoyment of life.
Retirement has bought new opportunities including the ability to devote time to thinking more deeply about issues that I sense are important as well as getting at those things that have improved life, given back time and provided a more satisfying experience as time goes on. Some of those things that previously sat only in the back of my mind or on a list somewhere and were rarely attended to or resolved have now been able to be moved forward. This movement has lifted the stress tied to them.
And so to this year. I still feel strongly that I need to keep wellness at the top of my priority list. MS will continue to be a challenge for me for the rest of my life but through reading and research I am finding out that there are things that I can do that will have a positive influence on my health and my capacity to participate in life. Things like meditation, exercise and diet will be areas that I will take on and refine during the coming year. I intend also to work hard at remaining connected be that through face-to-face meetings, coffee or meals together or through the multiple avenues of social media.
Beyond those two priorities I have a real need to bring some aspects of my life to a rapid conclusion. Julie and I will work hard and diligently this year to ensure that we have a home that is both practical for me to live in as well as being the place where we can do all the things that bring us most enjoyment and welcome our friends and family so that we may enjoy special times together.
Finally, on the horizon there are new opportunities to collaborate with others not only for our own engagement, enjoyment and reward but also to benefit others who most deserve and need our support. All those things I intend to work into my plan. Before we get too much deeper into January and all the pressing matters of the days ahead, let me encourage you to take time to develop your own plan. It need not be overly complex or something that might cause you added stress as the year goes by but rather a straightforward documentation of your aspirations for your whole life this year rather than a plan that you may feel has been inflicted on you by the organisation for which you work!
My hope for you is that through this process you gain much satisfaction from the way that your life plays out in 2014 and a realisation that you are able to steer your life more purposefully than you may have previously thought possible. Without a plan, possibilities will remain just that... unachieved aspirations that serve to frustrate and stress rather than fill our life with joy for which they have unbounded potential. So take time during these relaxed days and mindfully prepare your plan for the possibilities.
Nonetheless, one habit from my career that always occurred around this time of year has stuck. At the moment I am starting to work on my plan for 2014. The process is comfortable and the product provides me with structure and balance for my daily life, just enough stress to keep the juices flowing as well as incentive and direction for action and my daily activities. While the key result areas are clearly different from those that I focused on during my career, I feel a strong affinity for the planning process and rewards that it can ultimately bring me. It feels very natural to work out my objectives for the year, identify the initiatives and activities to achieve those objectives and measures that will demonstrate whether I achieve what I am setting out to do.
Shortly before I ceased working, I consulted a number of people who had retired prior to me. The one consistent piece of feedback that I received from them, was to have a plan. Their advice made a lot of sense not only because the process has been a habit of mine for so many years but also faced with significant change, I felt that the process would help me to proactively refocus my life and achieve those things that I was now able to identify as being important to me, Julie, my family and friends. And so a year on, reviewing my goals and achievements for 2013, I see and feel satisfied with the value of the time spent constructing, working and monitoring my plan. In terms of outcomes, not every goal that I set myself last year has been achieved.
I do however feel very satisfied that I have successfully re-oriented my life, largely focused on those things that are of most importance to me now and ticked off a number of items that I set out to address through my plan. Perhaps of greatest importance to me is that I have succeeded in making the transition. I still feel connected to people - colleagues from the past, family members and friends and new people that I have been able to meet and bring in to my circle. Additionally, I feel as though I have been able to achieve a new balance in my life that I see as critically important to my well-being and continued enjoyment of life.
Retirement has bought new opportunities including the ability to devote time to thinking more deeply about issues that I sense are important as well as getting at those things that have improved life, given back time and provided a more satisfying experience as time goes on. Some of those things that previously sat only in the back of my mind or on a list somewhere and were rarely attended to or resolved have now been able to be moved forward. This movement has lifted the stress tied to them.
And so to this year. I still feel strongly that I need to keep wellness at the top of my priority list. MS will continue to be a challenge for me for the rest of my life but through reading and research I am finding out that there are things that I can do that will have a positive influence on my health and my capacity to participate in life. Things like meditation, exercise and diet will be areas that I will take on and refine during the coming year. I intend also to work hard at remaining connected be that through face-to-face meetings, coffee or meals together or through the multiple avenues of social media.
Beyond those two priorities I have a real need to bring some aspects of my life to a rapid conclusion. Julie and I will work hard and diligently this year to ensure that we have a home that is both practical for me to live in as well as being the place where we can do all the things that bring us most enjoyment and welcome our friends and family so that we may enjoy special times together.
Finally, on the horizon there are new opportunities to collaborate with others not only for our own engagement, enjoyment and reward but also to benefit others who most deserve and need our support. All those things I intend to work into my plan. Before we get too much deeper into January and all the pressing matters of the days ahead, let me encourage you to take time to develop your own plan. It need not be overly complex or something that might cause you added stress as the year goes by but rather a straightforward documentation of your aspirations for your whole life this year rather than a plan that you may feel has been inflicted on you by the organisation for which you work!
My hope for you is that through this process you gain much satisfaction from the way that your life plays out in 2014 and a realisation that you are able to steer your life more purposefully than you may have previously thought possible. Without a plan, possibilities will remain just that... unachieved aspirations that serve to frustrate and stress rather than fill our life with joy for which they have unbounded potential. So take time during these relaxed days and mindfully prepare your plan for the possibilities.
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