Theme for 2022 -- Open Space(s)

For more than 15  years, I’ve done a year-end ritual with MGM, my accountability group. I’m one of the M’s.

Author Gretchen Rubin and executive coach Michael Melcher are the G and other M. M&G are exceptionally creative, and I’ve learned volumes from them, especially from the way they focus on what they want to accomplish in all parts of their lives.

Michael  developed an exercise that guides us each year. The exercise has two parts and we do them in two meetings of about two to three hours each. First, we review the year that passed using a reflective process that always delivers revelations. Next, usually a week or two after the first session, we process all of that and set intentions for the year ahead. 

Words and phrases for the year are trending these days, and this year, I’ve got one. I can’t stop thinking about two words: open spaces. In my mind, on my calendar, in nature.

The pandemic has forced many of us to slow down and learn to be comfortable with less -- less action in a day, fewer social and work-related activities, less in-person connecting. For an extrovert who gets energy from being around people and activities, this has been unnatural for me. But it has helped me see that less can lead to more.

More time focused on a smaller group of people who mean a lot to me. More time reading, watching and listening to things. More time to walk and enjoy nature. More quiet. More time to think. More patience.

Pairing down has led to insights. It’s helped me to prioritize the key people in my life. It’s made work feel less tiring and more energizing. And it’s helped me to find time for creativity -- whether it’s a Zoom cooking ritual with my nephew or paper marbling with my mom. 

It hasn’t yet sparked a brand new project that I’m unveiling, but I think that may come with time. And I’m getting more comfortable with the idea of things taking the time they need.  

While prepping for a recent workshop on transitions, my friend Ev shared this quote by French author Andre Gide: "One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time."

I consent.

What’s your word/phrase of the year?

If you want to try the exercise yourself, here’s an explanatory post on Gretchen’s blog and here’s a post by Michael on my old New York Times Shifting Careers blog.