Last year was difficult. You spent most of it living with uncertainty and extra work. You may have spent it losing money, making painful cost cutting decisions, and being excruciatingly patient. You may have eventually struggled with less work. You tried to bring more value to your stakeholders (colleagues, customers or clients, board members, partners, family and friends). You showed gratitude. You were thrilled to get to January 1st, 2021, but realized the new year didn’t erase 2020 and that some of its uncertainty and fear lingers in you, your colleagues, and those you love.

There is a time to “plow through” as we often say in times of crisis, and you did it. Now is a time to tend the field by clearing. If this resonates with you, start by taking a few cleansing breaths.

Inhale and exhale 3 times.

When we are stressed our breathing becomes more shallow.  You may now have a chance to breathe deeper than you have in nearly a year. Congratulate yourself on getting through many difficult months.

Now, recognize the emotions you have pushed down for months.  

It is okay to feel exhausted if you feel exhausted… Or angry….or sad…or disappointed…or afraid.  Recognize your emotions. Notice where they may still linger.

Where do those feelings reside in your body?

Is fear in the pit of your stomach?

Does exhaustion show in your face or a slumping posture?

Does anger appear in a clenched jaw or pounding heart?

Inhale fresh air sending it to those parts of you holding onto last year’s stress. Exhale stress.  

Next, spend at least a few moments writing about the experience of last year.

What happened?

What was accomplished?

What is new and what remains?

How do you want to feel in 2021?

After some time breathing, feeling, writing and reflecting, you can release 2020 to make way for new growth. You are ready to plant. A field of potential exists in front of you. Thank you for taking care of you.

 

Kim Perone, M.A., C.L.C. is a Success, Bereavement & Resilience Coach and Mindfulness Trainer at the Center for Clarity, Compassion & Contentment (CENTER4C). Kim works with business professionals as a coach and also conducts workshops and seminars at her office and in the workplace, now offered virtually. A personal strategist, philosopher, and champion for her clients, specializing in stress reduction, mindfulness, work life balance, bereavement, resilience, and authentic success. Kim is a Certified Life Coach, with an M.A. in Organizational Communication from the University at Albany and author of The Case for Clarity, Compassion & Contentment: Finding Your Center (available on Amazon). It is Kim’s belief that when clarity, compassion, and contentment are present an inspired life is possible. For more information, feel free to contact Kim at [email protected], (518) 301-3593, www.Center4c.com.