The unexpected year of CONNECTION!

By now you know that I am a proponent of choosing a theme word for the year to set the intention to bring more of something into your life. I have had a different theme for the past 5 years, and this year I chose the theme of CONNECTION. As the year draws to a close, I was reflecting on how this theme showed up for me in ways I did not expect or intend – I love that I was surprised!

Last night I was asked “What do you love most about the work that you do?” – I love a good question! My immediate response was that I absolutely love that my work creates the opportunity for me to connect with people in a meaningful, impactful and dare I say – inspiring way. The experience of true connection is what inspires me to be a coach, facilitator and speaker. The experience of true connection is what inspires me to be a coach, facilitator and speaker. The opportunity to connect with others and contribute to their life is what gets me out of bed everyday looking forward to what may come! I think I knew this before, but it crystalized for me this year and I am grateful for that clarity.

My connections with others looked different than I expected. Some new and wonderful people came into my life, and I let go of some connections that no longer fit with me. This was unexpected and uncomfortable, and redefined the quality of connection I am looking for in my life and work.

My connection with my husband and children is stronger this year, despite a particularly busy work schedule and commitments. When my time and energy became restricted I had to make choices and thankfully the people I live with everyday are the people I would choose to spend time with! That said, with a teenager and a pre-teen, I am also noticing the shifts and changes in our family time and I am treasuring every moment of our time together.

I intentionally chose CONNECTION because I wanted to strengthen an inner connection with myself, and that was an area that did not evolve in any significant way for me. I will bring this forward in a new theme for next year and see what might emerge.

Is there something you want more of in your life next year? Is there a word or theme that will guide you through your year and anchor the choices or decisions you encounter?

I invite you to start percolating on your theme word over the last few weeks of 2016, and set your intentions for 2017 with the inspiration of your theme!