Like a door opening, the start of each year provides opportunity to cross the threshold to new possibilities and opportunities. Passing through it reawakens the desire to dream and set goals. Unknown mystery and unexpected moments will become precious memories. 2012 provided many special moments and memories for me; highlights include a vacation to Jamaica with my adult son, an Alaskan cruise with my husband & his family, and the fulfillment of a lifetime dream of riding my motorcycle across Canada. It is with humility and gratitude that I think of these and many other moments as I said goodbye to 2012 and prepared for 2013.
Thirteen things for the coming year:
1. Reframe – Recently, someone said 13 was a lucky number, catching me by surprise as I realized that wasn’t how I thought of it. So I reframed it which led to this article. Things look and become different when you change perspective.
2. Begin – As cozy as it feels to decorate for Christmas, putting away those things brings lightness and freedom. A clean slate empowers us to move forward with clarity. Each day provides opportunity to start anew.
3. Solidarity – Discord throughout the world is no longer far away and their problem. Travel and technology, two privileges that many more are enjoying, make us truly a global community. More things tie us together than separate us enabling change to be not only a possibility but a reality.
4. Unity – Individuals and communities with diverse backgrounds are standing together creating a presence that demands leaders listen. Life is integrated. Together either we stand or we fall.
5. Creation – The desire to innovate and create something novel is inherent in all. It is the very nature of humanity. It may be a seed lying dormant within but now is the time to allow it to manifest. Each of us is unique, valuable and necessary in our contribution.
6. Completion – There are many facets to achievement and success is different for each one of us. Allowing unfinished items to remain on lists whether written or in our minds is restricting. Choosing to not finish a project is finishing it. Liberation comes by dealing with things instead of ignoring them.
7. Order – Bringing order out of chaos gave birth to the professional organizer. Efficiency and creativity are released when we take command of our surroundings. If we cannot do it ourselves, it is time to bring in the professionals and get the things done.
8. Mystery – The most meaningful or memorable things happen when we allow the unplanned or unknown to come into our lives. Begin with a just a bit. Allow your path to swerve and discover what you may not have known. It could change your life and/or purpose.
9. Incorruptible – Humanity is not without weaknesses, a fact evident in the celebrities that so many look to as heroes or role models. There is a need and a longing for honourable, principled relationships and leadership. This is easier done when we have someone close to hold us accountable.
10. Integrity – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “It takes less time to do a thing right than to explain why you did it wrong.” It is always easier and more efficient when commitments are followed through. Thoughtful consideration prior to and consistent behaviour build and establish trust.
11. Transition – Many individuals, organizations and countries are in a state of transition. Things are shifting and, hopefully, evolving. Communication is vital during these times to build trust in the process for transition is a process.
12. Change – Things do not remain the same if we desire to remain healthy, vibrant and relevant. Change is constant. Willingness and flexibility to adapt to it provide opportunity to grow stronger and larger. Embrace it.
13. Inevitability – As long as we are alive the prospect of making a difference exists. Whether we choose to do so or not our action or inaction creates a certainty impacting those around us. What is your choice?
The story of 2013 has just begun and the moments and events throughout will unite to make it memorable. What you put into it and take out of it is based on your beliefs, faith and willingness to invite some mystery in. Shape what you receive and make it marvellous.
