Read an interesting commentary somewhere about just how over used the phrase, "I am humbled." is wherein the meaning has become cliche. And yes, humility is a virtue as long as you do not use it as a cliche and a way not to stand up for yourself, use your voice and do not permit yourself to play victim. In a recent coaching session with a senior level executive, I was privileged to have her share how ....

With leadership (you are a leader in your life, that of others whom you officially or unofficially believe you take them or share a better way) comes the need to be humble as you serve others. Servant leaders know this is a tenant of propping others up, picking up the towel for another, listening with empathy, sharing compassion. It is also key to mindfulness as we minimize our ego and lend ourselves to a true life force.

To be able to stay mindful is easier said than done. How often I hear from my coachees, "they push my buttons." I jokingly respond, "we are not computers, we do not have buttons." On a serious note, yes we do have "hot buttons." By the way, not all buttons are the same. Some are smaller such as the "irritation button", a bit larger is the "frustrates me button", and then the big red hot "makes me angry" button. Learning to distinguish your emotions so you can articulate them clearly to yourself first to discern if you want to share for the common good or not.....Once you discern your emotions and thoughts around the button pushed for you ask yourself which of these three choices apply? 1) I can accept it? 2)I cannot accept it so I will have a conversation to change it, or Neither of these two well work so I will opt to let it Go? Really let it go!

Here we are all ready to engage in a new year...So what does this really mean to engage? I think it means, we address the necessary endings to make room for necessary beginnings. Fire breathing wo/men --- this makes for fertile soil where the new can take root and blossom fully.

With an esteemed friend and colleague I spent an afternoon and evening launching a "setting intention" exercise. Good food, colorful pens, journals and burning paper which held our necessary endings was a highlight. The fire breathed in our need to end comparing, judging, neglecting, settling and other barriers to our best selves. We breathed in fresh air under the stars adding beginnings that included settling higher, more rest, alone time, accompanied time, daring moments...etc. as we cleared the way for setting intentions.

My process started toward the end of 2016 where I had to initiate a transformational moment wherein I legally changed my name. The name I had written for 60 plus years appeared differently in spelling and in order of my given names on my birth certificate. To ensure my third act plays out correctly and my estate is in order, I needed to take this ensure all my names matched on paper. I felt reborn. And as if to reassure me of rebirth was eminent, Facebook had incorrectly sited my birthday so there I celebrated rebirthday.

But most importantly I filled with Spirit in love, abundance and hope for a new year in a new time in a well worn space called Santalynda with a "y" (officially) with a necessary ending and new beginning.

And you...? Whether self-initiated or by circumstances, what has to end to create space for what is to be birthed at work, at home and at play in 2017! If you set goals, ask yourself, which have the highest payoffs, which have a high tradeoff, take note and decide with intention.

Wishing you continued blessings and reminding you that you can't grab at something new with something old left in you hand. Release and unleash to your higher good!

Be As Willing to Stand Up as to Bow Down

Necessary Endings for Necessary Beginnings 2017!