Coffee in hand and a quiet table at a favorite cafe greet me on a Monday after a week away. It feels like mid-afternoon. The day is in full swing, perhaps time for an afternoon “pick me up”. Truth be told, it’s actually 7:30 am and the day has only begun. Despite jet lag, the Italian phrase “Fantastic!” keeps popping into my head. “Fantastic!” conjures up memories of hiking to a wide-open untracked valley of snow and creating ski tracks on the descent. Yet losing myself in a starry night or big blue Colorado sky while walking the dogs is as much a “Fantastic!” moment as any other from this past year.
Befriending Spaniards on the chairlift, joyfully expressing “what ever comes up” in an Improv workshop, smelling freshly ground coffee in the early morning, praying beside those living on the street, celebrating a marriage with family on the dance floor, reuniting with dear Minnesotan friends from years past, lively conversation at the dinner table, deepening friendships, strengthening mindfulness practices are Fantastic! memories.
One year has so many moments, sometimes happy, sometimes difficult. What might we recall from one year to strengthen what’s to come in our lives ahead? How might we bring Fantastic! into today, tomorrow, next week and into 2019? Here are some suggestions for “Bringing The Fantastic!” into the New Year!
State of mind and emotions. Being aware of the thoughts and feelings that swirl in our heads and bodies is a good place to start. In other words striving to become more self-aware, a life-long pursuit, would help. In addition to external distractions, we have billions of neurological connections in our heads, belly and heart that generate lots of “noise”. Notice and reflect on what shows up! Then, understand your “go to” response ahead of reacting. Consider what’s most appropriate and serves others and yourself. Fantastic is a state of mind more than anything else. We get to decide.
Let go of the small stuff. Rarely do plans, especially when we travel, go exactly as planned. Before a difficult conversation be sure to have considered whether the discussion needs to happen in the first place. Is it about “being right” or about being effective for the benefit of a relationship and or team?
An attitude of gratitude. Taking note everyday of what you’re thankful for is a Must Have, no matter what. Before falling asleep every night, for example, reflect on the gifts of the day. Fantastic!
In the next few weeks take a look back at the year. Perhaps use your 2018 calendar as a tool for remembering all that happened. You might be surprised and even forgotten about the big and small in your life. Wishing you opportunities to reflect on the beauty in the world and the possibility for relationships with all people, familiar and unfamiliar, comfortable and edgy, happy and sad…Fantastic!
