How to Gracefully Navigate the Transition to the New Year

What are you experiencing right now as you navigate the transition from 2009 into the New Year? Are you excited and ready to embrace all that’s in store for 2010? Or are you struggling in the overwhelm and resisting the transition altogether?

December includes both the winding down of 2009 and the preparation of a new year, making this month a transition time, which can be unsettling for many. So with only three weeks left in the year, there are two BIG questions I have been pondering.

First, what does it look like to wind down the year with grace so you can choose the fresh path for 2010?

Second, how do you navigate the transition from one year to the next with ease when it’s the busiest time of year?

Here are two insights I’ve gleaned personally from first-hand experience and through partnering with my clients:

1. Make time to reflect and celebrate on this past year to gain the wisdom and insight for that will prepare you for 2010. Click Here if you’d like a tool to support you with this.
2. Extreme self-care (also known as radical self-care to one of my Facebook friends and former clients) is essential and a non-negotiable.

I wonder how you might answer this question, “What does it mean to you to practice extreme self-care as you go through this transition month?”

Here are some ideas shared by my Facebook friends:

• “This week, it means saying no to social invitations when I know it would drain me more than fill me to go.”

• “I’m going to the “Y” to exercise right now.”

• “I said “no” to doing Christmas cards this year! I’ve realized that it is a CHORE, not a JOY for me. Instead, I am calling people and chatting with them which takes more time but is MUCH more enjoyable for me.”

• “I make sure I am ready for the day before I sit down at my computer in the morning. That means I choose to work out, take a shower, get dressed, and do my hair and makeup BEFORE I start work, so I’m not still in my workout clothes and baseball cap at 1:00 in the afternoon working. I feel so much better!”

• “I choose NOT to get caught up in the to-do lists, but instead enjoy the moments.”

Notice the recurring themes of wisdom….

Strength comes from making a choice.
Deciding to let go of the “have-to’s”, “ought to-do’s” and “should’s” is freeing.
Committing to self-care fills you up so you have more to give.

So what will you commit to so you can gracefully navigate the transition to the New Year? I would love to know what you’re thinking so post your comments here and at the blog.

Now is your time to decide!