As the official first day of winter approaches and New Years lurks around the corner, I find myself gathering more and more resources together, laying out ideas and plans for self-development. It’s as of I’m nesting, the same way I did before my first son was born; creating and gathering things together to welcome his eminent birth. Only this time I am welcoming my own rebirth  so to speak.

For it is during this time of year I feel a strong pull to go inward, recreating parts of myself, allowing new creations to be birthed. I do the traditional reflection on the year past, noticing lingering dreams that have yet to come into fruition.  Instead of harping on these as “failures”, I try to  use the opportunity to revise them, morphing them into new dreams and hopes for the year ahead.

It’s not all beautiful and sparkly and easy-going though. There are many moments when I feel panicked about all that I haven’t done. Worry and Fear about all that I want to do, Doubt and Angst about whether I can do it or not, are familiar visitors this time of year (ok lets face it, they are “frequent flyers” to the destination that is me).

I realize that  all of this worry and panic can be avoided.  It’s a matter of choice after all.  Though easier said than done. Or is it?

It can be avoided if only I don’t put expectations on my self to get it all done. If I remind myself that once one thing is done there is always more to do and that is just the nature of doing and being.  It’s never all done. It’s never finished.  Life is an ever evolving story with new chapters being written all the time.  What counts is the part you are reading (doing) NOW.  Sure there may be plots, drama, cliffhangers (if you like).  Your life can read like non-fiction, full of “fact” and so-called predictability or fantasy, full of magical twists and turns.

There is always more to do

I will get there when I get there

when the time is right for me

“Trust the Process” (a little reminder I have come up on my phone throughout the day)

And as I listen to these words of wisdom that have sprouted up within, I can breathe again and relax knowing that all is where it is, where it should be.

When I worry it’s time wasted. When I worry I spend my energy on other than I want. So in this moment right now I choose, not to look forward, nor backward.  Instead I choose to honor what is, by acknowledging what was and what can be and releasing this now.
So what’s on your list of dreams?

Have you reviewed and acknowledged all your accomplishments instead of focusing on what was not done.

Have you let go of things that didn’t happen realizing that perhaps they are not necessary?
Perhaps there’s a reason they have not come to life yet. Release them, let them go.  Below is an expressive arts exercise that may help.

Acknowledgment  Collage:

• Take out some old magazines and pictures and flip through them looking for images that reflect to your accomplishments for the year.
• Cut or rip them out and glue them on paper anyway that feels right.
• Use markers paints or pastels to adorn them with images or words to give it your own special touch. Remember its a celebration of your successes!

• On a separate piece of paper glue some more images or draw the essence of the things you feel you did not accomplish.
• Put this aside.
• Take note of any similarities between what you have achieved and what you feel you have yet to achieve. Are there similar goals at the core, similar emotions invested?

• On a third sheet of paper add images that represent your hopes and dreams.
•  Don’t worry about whether you can see yourself achieving these or not.
• Just dream big and allow your creative imagination to roam free.
• Have your original “unfinished” accomplishments morphed in any way?

Once you are done you may wish to journal about any thoughts that came up as you were doing these or as you stand back and look at them now.

You can display these collages in a prominent place to remind you of your ever unfolding story.