Year End Reflection

April 2016 Keukenhof in Holland

It's the last day of 2016.  Somehow this year flew by unusually fast.  There were a few critical shifts in my life that I want to recognize them before going into 2017.

• Spring - Solo vacation to Amsterdam:  my pilgrimage to the kingdom of tulips turned out to be an exploration of my edge.  Travel is one of my passions, but I have never travel for vacation on my own.  I have to admit, I felt kind of miserable for the first half of the trip until the friend that I was supposed to meet up could not make it at all because the pilot strike.   I realized at that despairing moment that it's only up to me to make my trip fun, adventurous and engaging.   I checked out their famous cafe, walked all over the canals, listened to jazz, visited farmer's market and photography galleries all on my own.  I connected to local people and their culture with or without a travel mate.
• Summer - Empowerment from Hoffman Q2:  It was a coming of age for me at the Hoffman Q2 weekend retreat.  The sense of peace, freedom and strength bubbled from within.  I felt a heavy weight was lifted off my shoulder.  For the first time in 25 year, my long lost sense of humor and wonder came back.  I demoted my "darkside" to my personal "butler".  I (my intellect and body) got married to my emotional and spiritual self.   I had an inkling of what my life purpose could be.  I declared at the completion ceremony that I want to do work in the area of social justice.  I had no idea where that really means or entails.   A few minutes later, my roommate at the retreat announced that she leads a non-profit executive coaching organization!   Boom! The light bulb went off in my head and that lead me to the world of coaching.
• Fall - Coming home at CTI coach training workshop: The experiential learning at the workshop was eye opening for me.  This is the learning environment that I didn't know I was looking for.  I knew I was in for a treat for my soul.  I connected to the humanity in me and in my fellow classmates.  I was given wings to fly: to communicate, to have an impact and to contribute.  I have found my tribe.   I am home at last...
• Winter - Reconnecting with my dad: Having committed in the Balance workshop to new life strategy: saying yes to Curiosity and Connection, my thanksgiving trip home was completely refreshing and meaningful compared to the past visits.  I stayed in with my family and posed many curious questions.  The result was some very rich experience of discovering things that I would not have even known if I had not asked.  I gained new respect for my dad and the bond and connection between us.

Now I am complete with year 2016 and ready for 2017!