by Jenn Kaye

 

Often we get to a new year and say, "Whew! I'm glad last year is OVER!" We create resolutions, intentions or goals and start moving forward leaving the last year behind without a whole lot of recognition.

The truth is, in this day and age we are so busy moving constantly forward that we can frequently miss what successes we have experienced up to this point. Below is a piece I did last year and it's so powerful, I've decided to share it with you again. Enjoy!

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When was the last time you acknowledged yourself? I mean REALLY acknowledged yourself ... for being a great mom, an amazing problem-solve, a great lover or a top-notch project manager? (For the record, if you're a mom, a spouse, have a family you spend time with not to mention a 'job' ... you ARE a top-notch project manager!)

Powerful communications starts with YOU. Do you look at yourself in the mirror each morning and start picking yourself apart? Are you still beating yourself up for something you forgot to do ... or didn't do as well as you thought you should? What kinds of things do you say to yourself in any given moment?

Often we spend more time berating ourselves for not being enough or doing enough, than for acknowledging our accomplishments. When we do this with ourselves, it often translates to how we communicate with other people in our lives. Our children, our spouses, our co-workers and so on.

And yet, how do you feel when you receive some appreciation , acknowledgment or gratitude? It kind of makes everything worth the effort doesn't it? Guess what. It all starts with you. Stop expecting everyone else to do your work for you. Show some appreciation and gratitude for yourself. You've earned it.

To honor yourself for the past year as you move into 2010, list the following:

* 3 Challenges You Overcame

* 3 Things You Acknowledge Yourself for Doing Successfully/or a Challenge You Overcame

* 3 Things You Forgive Yourself For (for being judgmental, for not being as nice to yourself, for being short with the kids, etc.)

* 3 Things You're Grateful For

* 3 People You're Grateful For (and Why!)

* 3 Ways You're Going to Be Gentler with Yourself in 2010

I invite you to take these few moments to acknowledge yourself for the fires that you've walked through in the last year, and to be gentler with yourself in the year (and challenges) to come. Life will always be full of challenge - it's your relationship with yourself in the process that can give you perspective, strength and grace.

Personal Note: I've attached a copy of the exercise if you want to print it out!

For more fabulous information on relationships and communication from Jenn, check out her website: www.lifeheadon.com