PRESENT, NOT PERFECT
Planning for summer – planning full-stop, in fact – has been an integral part of my life both professionally and personally for as long as I can remember. Even before my 26 years in business, I would plan and anticipate the future with vigour.
Lists, long lists, would be written, goals set (big and small), and holidays envisioned; acquisitions – and not surprisingly – property, decided on.
However, out of growing wisdom or a gentle wariness, this summer and this coming year, I’d rather rest than push forward relentlessly.
2020 has been the most unusual year, and I think I’ve definitely seen the best (and the ‘far from it’) in behaviours and processes. But rather than leave me feeling disappointed, it has given me an appreciation and an insight into the reality that you cannot control everything.
Normally I’d run into the Christmas period exhausted, believing that I had to do everything for everyone. I’d then work through much of my Christmas break and top it off by returning to work to start the New Year (which I always want to be bigger than the last one) early!
This year, however, the summer will be different, for lots of reasons. I want to be present, not perfect.
If you think that’s original, it’s not. It’s the title of a book sent to me by an accomplished and extraordinary woman that I love. Its message is simple: slow down, breathe deeply, and rest up.
I’m not jumping to my massive list of intentions. I’ll certainly review my goals and set new ones, knowing and accepting that they will be gentle and beautiful, not earth-shattering. At the top is more time with the people I love, learning Te Reo, and a massive wish for good heart and health.
This year has delivered some enormous personal challenges as well as some fabulous professional highs, but rather than shout ‘next’, I’m whispering ‘thanks’.
And thanks to you for reading my thoughts.
May 2021 bring you wisdom and joy and the knowledge that for everything there is a season. Make those seasons count for something special.