the beauty of new beginnings and a delayed launch
This January has been one of those Januarys that doesn’t actually start the new year on the first. On the first, I was focused on other people. I was getting ready to move my daughter to a brand new university in Colorado. I was also preparing for a huge corporate workshop that I was leading in Seattle. And then weather canceled my trip to Seattle, so I had to switch to virtual, and that meant that I couldn’t fly out with Marcus and Alex to Colorado. So I went the next day, but then I could only stay for one day, so we moved Alex into her new place before Marcus and I escaped a snowstorm and …
… I digress. My point is that there was no time to think for myself. Until last week. Last week, Alex was officially safely in her new home, and starting classes at her new school (so far, so good). The workshop was over and Marcus was back at work. I had space to think. I had a couple of coaching sessions — one where I coached, and one where I was coached. And as a result, I picked up my long-abandoned manuscript for my new book, and I started over. I wrote some truly awful drafts of the first chapter. I set up some times to interview folks to explore other viewpoints about what I’m writing about. I even took myself to a beginning calligraphy and hand-lettering course — both because I’ve always been interested in it, but also as research. Because the book is, in part, about doing things you’re interested in.
Anyway.
My point is that I now officially feel like the year has begun. And it occurs to me that there’s something to be said about starting the year a little bit late. Despite having come up with my word of the year and begun making plans at the end of 2023, beginning my year January 1st felt a bit — well, full of pressure, I think. I had too much other stuff to do, and focusing on myself felt like I was trying to prove something. So I waited until I had the space. It was sort of like when you go to the gym on January 2nd, and it’s full of people you’ve never seen before … but by mid-January, it’s thinned out a bit. The people who remain seem somehow more committed, almost as if their commitment is more measured and thought-out by virtue of the fact that they’re still there, in the quiet. Starting a bit late, after everyone else is on their way, means that you can make real strides without attracting notice. A “real G’s move in silence”-without-concern-about-who’s-watching, sort of thing.
So, Happy New Year, to everyone who is just starting to get their feet under them after the excitement of the end of 2023. Let’s get this show on the road.
P.S. One more thing: If you’re interested in a renewed focus for the year — a project you’d like to start, or a dream so big you’re overwhelmed by taking the first step — I’ve relaunched my coaching practice for just this purpose: introducing the Firestarter Sessions, a (deeply discounted) 4-session package to get you started. Go take a look, and if you’re interested, please reach out — you’ll hear from me within 48 hours. I’d love to work with you, and registration will be open until February 2nd, or until all spaces are filled!
A little about the new book.