Courage, My Love

     As mentioned in my previous post, I have an annual birthday tradition of setting my intentions for the coming year. It's more about a theme or an attribute or character quality than making a list of resolutions. Having reflected and noodled for the past few days, I've decided the quality or attribute I most desire for 2010 is courage.
     The Oxford English dictionary defines courage as "the ability to do something that frightens one; strength in the face of pain or grief." While I don't consider myself to be a Cowardly Lion, there are some areas in my life in which I could use some courage, more courage, or just a different approach or a kick in the pants.
     I realize courage doesn't just appear. You have to work at it, often "faking it til you make it", as many self-help folk profess. I think you also have to ask for it, claim it, and even make a mantra of it. Regardless of how it comes, my hopes for the coming year include:

• Courage to focus my attention on "being" rather than "doing"
• Courage to better balance serving my needs and serving the needs of others. Women tend to put ourselves last, and we can be better moms, wives, friends, etc. by ensuring our own needs are met. It takes courage to make the time to have a little "me-time" but it is so necessary.
• Courage to speak up more. For others who need me to stick up for them, to encourage others, and to ensure my voice is heard for what I want or need.
• Courage to pursue my "big rocks" (important actions/goals) and to let my "sand" (busy-work) slide a bit. For insignificant tasks, the mantra "C+ works" is something I'll need to remember.
• Courage to take the time to write more, share my writing with others, and pursue my writing goals.
• Courage to delegate the "sand" at work and sink my teeth into "big rocks", paving a path to achieving my professional goals. Courage to remember professionalism is not a popularity contest and to be more conscious of who I am and what I am portraying at work.
• Courage to reach out to others in friendship. What's that old saying - "To have a friend you must first be one."
• Courage to allow myself the things I want. I am guilty of denying myself at times, thinking I don't 'deserve' it.
• Courage to let go of things that are no longer serving me, be it habits, clutter, time-wasters, toxic people, or negative thinking.
• Courage to say "yes" to things and more importantly, courage to say "no" when I need to.

     Most of all, for this new year, I ask for the courage to live this year in such a way that when I reflect back on it, I will have no regrets.
     My friends, I wish you nothing but good things for 2010. May you experience health, healing, happiness and peace. And may you have courage, plenty of it, to pursue your dreams in 2010.