Hi, my name is Janet.
I am a life and wellness coach, program consultant/facilitator for A Fresh Chapter, a certified Daring Way facilitator, occupational therapist, yoga instructor, global citizen, mother and a grandmother. I started on my career path more than 27 years ago and everything I have done has led me to this conclusion: PEOPLE HAVE THE ABILITY TO CHANGE THEIR HEALTH, HOWEVER, IF THEY DO NOT TAKE A WHOLE SYSTEMS APPROACH THEY ARE ONLY BANDAGING THE PROBLEM.
As the new year is coming up this is the perfect time to reflect on what changes you would like to see in your health in the coming year. Change is hard and does not happen overnight which is part of the reason why in January to mid-February, yoga classes are filled to capacity, gyms have lines to use the machines, and the local donut shop is empty. By March all is back to normal as people are not seeing much change and forget about the resolutions they made on December 31st. I should know, I have spent years trying to lose the same ten pounds, wanting to start my own business and wanted to see the world for as long as I can remember. In the last few years, partly due to the peer pressure of a very dear friend (I love you Terri), I have been focusing more on what is the feeling that I want to have in the upcoming year. My feeling for 2019 has been that I wanted to be more independent. When I came up with that feeling I had one thing in mind, but I had no idea how it would translate into so many other things in my life.
This year has been very transformational for me, and don’t get me wrong, I have had a lot of change in my life and know that usually when I put my mind to something it will happen. However, there was something to this intentional act of wanting to feel independent that shifted things in my life in a different way. This year I fulfilled my dream to quit my full time job and become an independent consultant. I have set foot in 9 different countries and am making my travel plans for 2020. I have broken the endless cycle of coloring my hair every month, freeing up a lot of money and time (sorry to my hair stylist) and I am now rocking my grey hair. I have let go of a garage full of stuff that I dragged around for years, from Colorado to California (thanks to my brother John who helped me pack and unpack and drive the Uhaul), and now the space where all that stuff just sat without a second glance is a lovely studio. I even found a home for my wedding dress, and was able to give it to somebody who was so appreciative to have a dress for her special day. Last, but not least I was finally ready to be free of those ten pounds I have been trying to get rid of for years, plus twenty five more.
I believe we all have the innate ability to create change in our lives, and starting from how you want to feel is a powerful motivator in making that change happen.
What is your word for 2020?