We are continuing our exploration and reflecting of your areas of life in the context on 2011 and today we are going to look at safety.
Think back over these past 12 months and notice: when were you less than alert to the people and places you were this year.
When were you cocky and full of yourself and not aware of what was going on around you?
What was your behavior like on your business trips this past year?
What about how you acted when you were with your childrens' school on a field trip?
How many times did you work after dark this past year?
How many of those times did you have an escort or buddy to walk with you to your car or public transportation?
We take great care to make sure our children are safe and know who to call first and what to do in case of an emergency, but do you?
Close your eyes and tell me where your emergency contact information is in your wallet or purse right now if I had to get you help or notify someone of your accident?
Over the next few weeks of holiday celebration are you going to be in a city you are unfamiliar with? How can you stay safe and have a wonderful time?
This is not about being paranoid and fearful of living. This is about being very aware.
What do you do to stay safe?
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Today let's explore your family/parenting area of your life.
On January 1st, 2011 how would you say your family/parenting was working out?
You are not measuring yourself against anyone, it's just you and where you see yourself.
We are in a no judgment zone here!
So, where are you now in December of 2011?
When you look at your calendar for the year what do you want to do more of with your family?
What do you want to stop doing?
Where are the gaps in your parenting?
How could looking at things from a different perspective change your thinking?
Who did you mentor this year who was new to this whole family/parenting side of life?
What would you like to do in 2012 in this area of your life?
Who is mentoring you through the rough patches?
When will you stop doing the things that do not add value to you and your family?
You know we naturally change our parenting skills and actions and reactions to those decisions we each make as parents as we raise each of our children. That's what experience teaches us.
There are days that seem to be just one long continuous day and then it is the weekend. Those of us with grown children have lived this road you are on and one day it suddenly ends and you will be joyous, in tears and bewildered all at the same time.
Make small adjustments instead of huge right turns with your family whenever it is possible. Life will transition smoother.
2012 is almost here, take time to reflect on 2011.
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Do you know what "sensory yearning" is?
You know what your five senses are. You know what it means to yearn for something. So sensory yearning is something that comes to our minds, our souls and our bodies when we are really beat down and in need of something that transports us away to another place or another time when we considered times to be simpler, or better for each of us.
The interesting things about sensory yearning is that it is different for each of us. Perhaps for a mother of toddlers, the sound of quiet, with the warmth of a nice bath and 15 minutes of utter peace sound amazing. Perhaps to the city dweller the sound of an ocean surf, and sand between their toes would be heaven. For the person who lives on a farm, the bright lights and bustling of the city bring excitement and a quickening to the pulse. Each of us needs something in a combination that is uniquely our own.
When times are tough, such as now we each are looking for the familiar which comforts us; perhaps it's a quiet snow fall, or the smell of balsam fir, or the crackling of a warm fire. During this time of year when we think of sparkling lights, and confetti, presents, and home baked delights we are transported back to another time where we can dwell for a few moments or a few hours.
Our eyes are not satisfied with just seeing. Our ears are filled with hearing. Indeed we want to touch, and experience everything we are drawn to during this time of year.
If this is your place of solace, I encourage you to touch and experience until your sensory yearning is filled. When you are filled, turn around and lift up someone else, and then the two of you do the same for another. We cannot give what we do not have already within us. You will be filled to overflowing when you do this for others.