A New Year, A New You….Yeah, Right!

Dear Divas,

It's the 17th of January and I've already spoken to ten women who feel defeated and deflated because they haven't kept their New Year's resolutions.

When I asked them why they made the resolution, each invariably told a version of: “Something’s not quite right.” “I want to live differently, more intently, more passionately.” “I never get to me….”

We all can relate to that. Yet, when pressed to learn what got them going on their resolution kick, it seems those "danged numbers" were just so appealing:

“The seven new things that are a must for my already overstocked pantry.” “The ten foods for a healthy, happy, and always smiling family. “The four-minute makeover.” “The six ways to be the hypnotic me I should be.” “The seven steps to eliminating clutter, self doubt, and gray hair.” “The breath book: how to have the body of a twenty year old, forever.

We all continue to fall for these quick fixes; it’s no wonder we throw the resolutions out along with the gym memberships and the “Last Diet Book You’ll Ever Need.” Or as my neighbor, Gina, so brilliantly summed up the early demise of her resolution: “A new year, a new you...Yeah, right!”

As you head further into the year, and more and more of the resolutions fall or seem out of reach, I implore you to understand that living differently is not about the looking outside for the answer, but more about being reflective and honest about the relationships and actions that are meaningful to you. It’s about understanding who you are, about what you want, and about what's realistic given where you are in your life. It's about knowing and owning and believing in your story.

Somehow, in this crazy, ever-demanding, time-stretched world we live in, we repeatedly get lost in wanting to quick-fix ourselves so we can be better for everyone else. And, now, that simply misses the point, doesn’t it?

I urge you to not re-solve but to dis-solve.

The problem of your frustrations, your "something's-not-righted," your "I want to live more intently" will dis-solve, and the road forward seen clearly when you take stock of what it means—for you—to live more passionately.

I urge you to try to let go of chasing the perfect. Remember the tremendous talent and light that you possess, the good works you do, and those whom you love and those who love you.

I urge you to allow your story and beliefs to dis-solve your fears.

I urge you to make a New Year's Dis-solution.

You may not remember every day, but you will remember some days. And those some days will lead to more days, and more days.

Like you, I'm trying to stay in passion and let go of the perfect.

Wishing you a prosperous and passionate ’09.

Leanne

PS: If you would like to spend some focused time on your story, on your passions, on reclaiming and revitalizing your story and your sense of direction, please consider joining us for our mid-year From Perfection to Passion Learning Journey to Ireland.

Be part of a small group of engaging and talented women on a 6-day Learning Journey where you'll spend time in retreat directly addressing your deepest desire for a rich and fulfilling identity as well as time on excursion to Galway, Dublin, and more.

We'd love for you to join us. If of interest, please see http://www.divanate.com/ireland.html or download our Learning Journey brochure a http://www.divanate.com/pdf/LearningJourney09.pdf

Bring a friend. Tell a friend.

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