Reflection 2105: Threshold

Choosing a word for the year has been a decade long staple in my New Years celebrations. But just now, I tried a new exercise…here’s how it went. Last year, my word was Ritual- more inviting than Structure, Discipline, Routine- but focused on creating what was missing in my day to day life, a self-employed writer and activist who works from home. There was so much I craved, so many things that landed on my list year after year, butRead more

Offering

Many years ago, I visited an ancient temple in the Himalayas, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi. Much like church donation boxes and prayer candles in Christian places of worship, in temples in India, visitors are expect to leave a donation or offering. Though most of the temple visitors that day left 5 rupees notes, I smacked down a whopping 100 rupee note (about 4 dollars- big spender, I know). As the temple priest’s eyes bulged and heRead more

Collage

This step follows the word selection. Something like a vision board, these collages started with journals to track progress, and evolved into full blown art pieces I keep on my wall throughout the year. Here’s what you’ll need: Journal or Canvas. Art supply stores are are great place to pick these up. You can use sketch or watercolor books if you like, or simply buy a full-sized canvas. They are surprisingly inexpensive. Decorative paper. Again, your local art store or local fineRead more
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What’s your word for 2016?

Sanctuary. Recharge. Nourish. Emerge. Bond. Clarity. Realize. Self-Love. Ritual. Bloom. Create. Hope. Can a simple word change the course of a life? Yes. Every year, we face critical decisions and pivot points that affect the trajectory of the remainder of our lives. Having a clear intention for your year, and your life, can make all the difference. This simple process lead me to raise millions of dollars for war-ravaged women in Congo and Somalia, publish two books, earn a HarvardRead more

A gazillion & none: The art of focus.

The most common mistake people make is putting too much on their list. I did that one year- a list of 20+ goals. I wanted them all…why wouldn’t I write it down if the process is so powerful? In short, it wasn’t. I didn’t make serious strides in any arena that year. A gazillion priorities is no priorities at all. As writing coach Cynthia Whitcom always says, “Fewer words, more power.” Narrow it down. What do you want in eachRead more

The Year Ahead

If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when? – Rabbi Hillel While positive thinking does not always become reality, it is next to impossible to realize the life you want without clear intentions. Sometimes it takes courage to admit what we truly want. This is your moment. Be real with yourself. What do you really want-deep down- for each area of your life?Read more

The Life Ahead

Do I dare Disturb the universe? – T.S. Eliot They say begin with the end in mind. While a year may not be enough time for you to utterly and completely transform your life, critical pivots now will undoubtedly have profound impact on the trajectory of the rest of your life. This is your moment to dream big. What do you want- really want– your life to look like in… ….5 years? ….10 years? …20 years?Read more

Dear Spring Chicken: 100 Year Old Wisdom

Many moons ago, I ran across an exercise to write yourself a letter from your 80 year old self. But let’s face facts: With all the marathon-walking, Botswana elephant riding, hell-raising 80 year olds out there, that decade aint what it used to be! So, write yourself a letter from your 100 year old self, imparting your hidden end-of-life knowledge with this younger you. What would you advise for this year? What critical turning points are ahead? What do youRead more

Carpe Diem: An Hour to Live

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practice resignation…I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life.” – Henry David ThoreauRead more

How to Win the Lottery in 2016

Every holiday season, I buy lottery tickets for friends and family. But not because I’m delusional enough to think we will win. I do it because the $2 buys a million-dollar conversation. Try it! Buy a lottery ticket – & some for friends or family, if you’d like! Ask yourself what would you do with the jackpot? Now ask yourself Do you really need millions to do those things? How about doing some of those things- even small pieces ofRead more