How Magnificent Were You?

Dear Magnificent Readers,

Whoa! 2004 is coming to a close. Is it possible??? Did 2004 already happen?
Its amazing how quickly time passes when we are busy – regardless of whether we are enjoying ourselves or not.
Well, before you break out your pen and paper to start those resolutions for 2005, I’ve got a little plan for us! YAY! I love plans.

Lets take some time this month to think about how magnificent we were in 2004.

1. What did you accomplish in 2004 that you are really proud of? (Don’t forget the little things! Sometimes getting out of bed every morning for a year is a great accomplishment)
2. What is one thing you learned about yourself or about life that really inspires you?
3. What is one wonderful thing someone said to you this past year that really made you feel good?

Next month we’ll do something thinking around creating a fantastic 2005!

Whatever holiday you might be celebrating this winter, take time to appreciate your self. You are important, you matter, you are beautiful and you are loved.

Thank you for helping me make 2004 a year of amazing growth and opportunity!

Love,
Amy

Anais Nin Quote

There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
Anais Nin

Do what you love!

A teacher brings a large glass jar filled with four big rocks to school and places it on her desk in front of the class.

“Is this jar full?” she asks.

The kids look at her like she’s blind: of course it’s full!

She reaches down and picks up a sack of gravel, opens the jar, and begins pouring the gravel into the jar. The kids stare as the gravel finds its way in and around the stones.

“Now is the jar full?” the teacher asks again. Again, the kids nod at the obvious.

The teacher says nothing but picks up a sack of fine sand she has brought with her. Again she opens the jar. Again the kids stare as the bag of sand empties into the jar, finding its way around all the edges.

First, what is your observation? Write about it for a minute. When you’ve finished, scroll down.


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“Think about it,” the teacher says quietly. “If I had started with the sand and the gravel, there would never have been any room for the rocks. But when we put the important things into our lives first, the gravel and sand activities still find a way to squeeze themselves in.” *

In the last couple years I really started taking a look at the sand, gravel and rocks in my life. Something of a “Little Dig” to see what was there, what wasn’t and what I wanted to be there. I emptied my jar, and to my surprise found tons of sand, gravel and a couple really small rocks. I thought about how much time I was spending doing the things that I “had” to do or “should” do, and how little time I felt I had left over for the things I love doing, wanted to do, or always wanted to try. It didn’t feel like I had enough time for those things.

Because I’m very stubborn and I insist on getting something out of my life, I decided I was going to make time and that everyone around me would have to find a way to accommodate me.

I chose carefully what my big rocks would be and decided when it would best serve me and the other facets of my life to spend time on each of these rocks. I came up with the understanding that I needed one week night for one rock, another week night for another rock and my third rock would need an entire weekday. The week nights would need to be negotiated with my partner. The weekday with my employer.

Although not terribly keen on the idea of finding her own (possibly quiet) entertainment, my partner was willing to give me my two week nights. My employer thought it over and over and over, and finally agreed that I could be spared two week days per month if I used my vacation time. Success was mine and I took advantage of the time I had created for my self. In just under one and a half years time I have turned my three rocks from desires into my fulltime career.

Take a look at your life. Empty your big jar of day-to-day and start with three to five big rocks - the three to five things that really nourish your spirit – owning your own company, knitting, soccer, writing, etc. Really take a chance and invest yourself in those activities or goals and experience the fulfillment you receive. Don’t worry, the laundry, chauffeuring, and yard work will always find a way to get done around the edges. And your jar/life will be amazingly full!


*Adapted from a story told by Margaret Lobenstine (http://www.togetunstuck.com).

Charles Dubois Quote

The important thing is this:
To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.
Charles Dubois