Your Year in Review
Whitney Johnson
Learning is the oxygen of human growth. Learn along with me on the Disrupt Yourself podcast.
I'm eager to kick off 2014.
I've done lots of reading, thinking, planning and dreaming over the holiday.
But I wonder if I am giving 2013 a proper farewell.
There have been years to which I said good riddance, but mostly I say a melancholy goodbye.
The beginning of a year means the end of another, along with its own hopes and dreams, and there is a loss. Perhaps this is a sadness we all feel. And a moment of silence is appropriate.
Shouldn't there be joy too?
When someone we love passes on, we grieve, there may even be a pinch of relief, but don't we also celebrate the life they lived, the good they did.
Why not accord a year of our lives a similar sendoff?
Philanthropist Ruth Ann Harnisch recently advised my colleagues and me on The Li.st, "I strongly suggest you make a list of your greatest triumphs of 2013!"
We all have public victories, but our most important triumphs may be hidden from view. Our biggest wins often come in the quiet of self, in the smallest of tweaks.
Either way, they are there.
"If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants," said Isaac Newton.
Let us ring in the giant of 2014,
and not dwarf the accomplishments of years past.
Bring on the bubbly of dreaming.
But first -- toast the triumphs.
*****
Whitney Johnson is a writer, speaker, coach and investor. You can follow her on Linkedin, and sign up for her newsletter at whitneyjohnson.com.
DESIGNER- Tammie Welch
10 年Great thought of reflection-Thank you
Writer, Marketing and Content Marketing Specialist, Yoga Instructor
10 年One of the most difficult year full of loss and setback is behind but your article reminded me to remember my achievements, including becoming a yoga instructor at 44 and finding solace and comfort in this new journey. Namaste...
Thank you Whitney for your "On a Clear Day" attitude about 2014!
Who were the people in your life, without titles and prestigious positions, that came and gave to you unexpectedly and unconditionally? I have been without employment for six months, and a person whom I had helped financially four years ago came and placed 6 brand new one hundred dollar bills folded in to my hand. She said, "this is in remembrance of the time you helped me when I was in need." I could not repeat enough thank you(s) to her. So my wife and I gave her a hug. I had totally forgotten that spontaneous gift I gave her in her time of need. Now, here I was in great need. Then, another person I helped with her citizenship gave me 5 new one hundred dollar bills to help me pay my first month's rent. These two ladies were unheralded heroines who gave unconditionally not expecting anything in return. How many times in 2013 have we had those type of people who gave to us small and large blessings, gifts, and so honored us beyond the call of duty? What gracious caring and fraternal love!
Lawyer, 1998, Commonwealth Lawyer, 2007 at International Legal Consultant/Researcher
10 年Actually, our diaries remind of us of the importance of time. I really do love the summation of your "Year in Review." For me, it is always a time of new beginnings, regret, I have but few as I try to keep busy all year round what is not accomplished is not that the effort was not made but extenuating circumstances caused things not to go my way. I have learned to accept and bless, try other avenues when I encounter dead-ends- I truly believe--" whenever one door closes, another will open--I always give hope a fighting chance--I prefer to dance but sit when fatigued. Happy 2014 may all your tomorrows be better than your yesterdays. The past is history, tomorrow is a mystery and the future is often like a mirage--just wait to see what happens.