I love the song from the Sound of Music – My Favorite Things. “Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens,” brings a smile to my lips, as I find myself attempting to sing in tune – which for anyone who knows me well, knows that I don’t… really. Of course my favorite verse is “Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels,” given my love for horses and wonderful food.” In keeping with this personal passion, I’ve chosen a “whiskers on horses” photo to accompany this particular blog. As 2010 winds down, it’s a perfect time to consider your Favorite Things.
What were some of this year’s moments that most stand out in your mind? What brought the biggest smiles and warmest hugs? Perhaps it was somewhere where you made a difference in the life of another? Perhaps it was an instant where you had a personal breakthrough – a new discovery? Perhaps it was a big win at the office – a new contract won, a new product launched or just making a difference in the life of a customer? Perhaps it was the laughter shared with family and friends or a story told by a child. It’s a perfect time to take stock of these wonderful gifts that occurred during the year, and make a commitment to creating more of these special moments in 2011.
As I consider my own 2010, my Favorite Things showed up in many forms. With the official launch of Syzygy in March of this year, new worlds opened up to me. One of the most rewarding gifts of this year was to be a part of my many clients’ journeys and paths. It was such an honor to have played a role in these journeys – strengths were rediscovered, new careers were born. Some let go of old hurts, and others reconnected to their passions. Our weekly meetings brought renewed insight in why each person was special. What made them unique, and where and how they had been successful in life. Then we looked for ways to magnify this success in multitudes. The smiles, the laughter, and even a few tears helped build new visions of new paths. Best of all, were the big hugs, when that client made a big breakthrough in their life. I loved being part of these journeys.
Another one of my Favorite Things included the several Equine Vision Journey retreats I hosted at my little horse haven above Kittredge. The power of these workshops, the transformations that took place, and the wonder and joy of the participants was truly a highlight of my year. Several of the participants wrote me a note afterward, and I’ll share a few of these wonderful bits of feedback.
“This weekend certainly shook me to the core. I still feel the courage the horses gave to me burning in my soul. I am like a fearless warrior right now…”
“I was stunned by this experience. The difference in this program is that you emphasize participants listen to their hearts. This may seem superficial at first blush but it makes all the difference in getting to the core of the person and understanding what journey they are truly meant to undertake.”
“The doors are now opening, faster than I can get through them!”
“I feel powerful, in control and on-track! And the Equine Vision Journey was the catalyst that brought everything together!”
Feedback like this is priceless. In July, when the inaugural weekend participants had left – I danced around my arena with such a sense of joy. I’m certain my neighbors had a chuckle as I jumped through the air thanking my wonderful horses. Yes, this definitely rates as one of my Favorite Things of the year.
Another Favorite Thing has been to watch my partner in life – Tim Gelston – make his own life transition. He boldly left his career in the municipal government field to pursue his lifetime dream, returning to culinary school last winter. Watching him build a future around his passion of culinary arts has been a delight and of course, as a designated taste-tester, it’s worked extremely well for me!
A fourth Favorite Thing was to be a board member of the Colorado Horsecare Foodbank. This wonderful organization, headed by its courageous and committed founder Juliana Lehman, helps keep people and their horses together in times of financial hardship. It felt good to give back to those in need, and as we tallied the number of horses helped since the inception of this organization just 20 months ago, I feel proud: we kept over 175 horses with their owners. Knowing the smiles this brought to many families, children, 4Hers and people that just loved their horses – this definitely is one of my Favorite Things.
My fifth and final item on my list of Favorite Things, certainly isn’t the least. I am so thankful for my friends and family, and all of the special moments we have gotten to share in 2010. I look forward to so many more special shared moment in 2011.
So, with the reflection into my Favorite Things, I take stock in these gifts as I put my goals for 2011 into place. What do I want to create more of? How can I make a difference in the lives of others? How do I spend more time with those that matter most in my life? This will be the foundation of my planning. How about you? What are your Favorite Things?
