Annelies M. Gentile, MA, PCC
Integrative Life & Leadership Coach | Author | Speaker | Consultant | Facilitator | Process Artist
Hello Dear Ones,
Happy New Year, Winter Solstice and All Things Holy to you. I trust my email finds you happy, safe and well-nurtured. What's good in your world?
Did you know you've been receiving my Inspiring Nuggets Newsletters since 2013?! Ten years of good news! That's something to celebrate! If you are new.... Welcome! I do my very best to share useful inspiring and honest perspectives that matter and can help you along your life and leadership path.
I realize most of us live VERY full lives and that any extra bit of info must add value or else it simply adds to stress. That's why you hear from me on occasion, when I've something noteworthy to share.
Take a moment to pause, read, and reflect. If something comes up for you, share it! I'm here to listen and to be a mirror for you to SEE what you can't see, SAY what you're not quite yet brave enough to say, and to help you boldly DO what you can't yet imagine. Every step of the way, I am here for you.
How is CHANGE showing up for you?
More importantly... How are you showing up to change?
What's your ONE WORD for 2023?
Imagine suspending an entire year of action and intent upon one idea thread; ONE WORD. It's a very powerful practice... of course, only if you keep it front and center regularly.
For over two decades I've held a practice of synthesizing the upcoming year to ONE WORD. It represents a combination of value, integrity, goals and desire to show up in a way that feels good, aligning with what really truly matters.
My word this year is HARNESS. "Ability to work in harness with others, in routine, to yoke, to hold and control." To me, harness is an active word. It's not just about focused power and leading my genius, it's about grabbing the reins for the ride of my life! Whoo! :)
Put your word where you can see daily. Challenge yourself to say "YES" to things and people that help you stay aligned, and "NO" to what doesn't. You don't need to have everything perfect. Stay in alignment with what matters most to you. What's your ONE WORD for 2023?
Want another fun End-of-Year Practice? I've several!
Keep reading for these and so much more.
WINTER :: Embracing the Unknown
Nature provides a unique lens in which to see ourselves and the situation around us. Here we can discover inspiring perspectives, useful solutions, and new patterns that may reveal our next step. According to Eastern traditions of Tao, there are 5 seasons, each represented by an element, color and emotional characteristics. Here's a simplified explanation.
- Winter : Water : Blue : Stillness : Fear : Hidden Potential
- Spring : Wood : Green : Creativity : Anger : Growth
- Summer : Fire : Red : Connectivity : Joy : Authenticity
- Late Summer : Earth : Yellow : Integrity : Sympathy : Transformation
- Autumn : Metal : White : Acknowledgement : Grief : Letting Go
Winter is related to the WATER element which represents our emotion of fear and informs a sense of power, hidden potential, courage, stillness or mindful movement and wisdom.
Through the season of winter and element of water we are reminded to embrace the unknown. Not just sit with it but to be okay not knowing. Almost to the point of assuming. Have faith that you are exactly where you need to be and that there's wisdom and power working beneath what you can't see.
If you like to garden, like me, you may relate to the tulip or amaryllis bulb as a metaphor. The bulb must rest. It spends a month or so putting out beautiful blooms and long green leaves. After the bloom is done, it shrivels back leaving the leaves to take in sunlight from spring to autumn sending energy to its bulb underground. Then pauses for winter and rests.
You, like an amaryllis needs rest, rejuvenation, and replenishment. The intensity of going all the time without pause is what causes burn-out, perpetuates anxiety, even grief. Sitting in the unknown allows healing, imagination to stir and gentle permission to change course, if you are off your game, miss-aligned to your values and integrity or those you must lead and represent.
Nature wastes nothing.
It's ok to be still. It's ok not to know.
Embrace the unknown.
Time to Reflect
Remember you're a human being, not a human doing. Step back from the doing to just BE. Pause to notice the small shifts in and around you. Explore the season of winter and its water element through these inquiries.
- How can I best rejuvenate my energy?
- What's it like for me to be still?
- What am I deeply committed to?
- What's my next right step, just for today?
- If I were courageous, what would I do differently?
- Where and how do I give my power away?
Humans function like seasons of the natural world. We often easily respond to the expressions and changes of the natural world. Nowadays, many of us are inside, working year-round, many are isolated with no windows to tell our bodies where we are in our natural cycles. So, if this describes you- I encourage you to give extra attention to exploring your inner nature this season by exploring in nature. Go outside, get off your devices, sign up for a class or a get-a-way to tempt, tease, teach and release your genius. Invite others along to follow your lead.
Curious, bold and brave? Coach with me!
Contact Annelies
Email: annelies@conduitforchange.com
Website: www.conduitforchange.com
Phone: 919-345-8396