Sideways Santa & the EASY Button

Happy 2021.  Hopefully it will indeed be a happy new year for you.

I do love new beginnings.  They can happen at whatever time you want to mark them.  I have walked with so many as they created new beginnings in their profession, in their leadership, in their 'next chapter' of life.  It is the privilege of my life to walk with people as they choose to be intentional in growing and designing the work, life, and impact they want. 

This week I have been reminded a number of times of a key element in creating vibrant new beginnings.  The "EASY" button.  Taking the path of 'ease and flow' and/or choosing to 'lean in' when there may be some discomfort.  Be curious.  Follow your heart.  Get in to your body and your heart and connect to your 'why' as you make forward choices.  Pay attention to what gives you energy and what drains your energy.

That doesn't mean that it won't sometimes feel a bit scary.  It should be that good kind of scary that happens when you are just outside your comfort zone.  It is called “Eustress” and is the good form of stress that can create growth. Perhaps that will be initiating a conversation you haven't had before, saying ‘yes’ or maybe ‘no’ to someone or something, pursuing that new thing that has drawn you for years that may not make practical sense, or just trying something new.

It seems like a relief to say goodbye to 2020.  Late in the year I heard one of the best illustrations of 2020.  When asking to see more of the Santa Photo display in the zoom background I got the story of a lovely compilation of three matted and framed chronological series of vertical family Santa photos with blanks for 2020 and future.  This was all done as the kids were sent off to get this year's photo.  Physical Distancing meant horizontal Santa Photos this year.  So 2020 is on its side among all those vertical years.  Isn't that just perfect?!  

2020. The year when life as we knew it got turned on its side. One client aptly said his organization has been experiencing ongoing "tsunamis of change" and they have grown weary. It becomes almost hard to list all that shifted. A question I have been asking myself and my clients is "how do you want to be telling your story of 2020?"  What did you learn?  How have you grown?  

And how do you want to be framing your hopes and intentions for 2021?  Hoping the reminder of the EASY button will invite you to give yourself and those you care about and work with empathy, a healthy dose of hopefulness, and maybe new commitment to take the path of ease and flow in this new beginning.