Over the years, an interesting development has occurred. I get very strong inclinations (often like a slap across the face) of an overarching theme that is to be my guide in the unfolding chapter of life before me. It acts as a beacon on the horizon, a compass heading if you will, that helps me stay true to the direction I need to travel at this time. With it comes an actionable quality that provides the practical, daily focus that allows for forward progress to be made.
While in its first year of becoming a more “formalized” process, I had to really root around and conciously discover what the theme was. Since then it comes when it must. I don’t force it, manipulate it or shape it. It proceeds to SLAP me across the face. “Alrighty then. Thank you. Thank you very much.”
Now I didn’t officially write about my last one… two actually.
As 2010 ended having had a very strong theme for the year, I was struck with its evolution. I struggled a bit though as it wasn’t as strong as the last few years. It was the “Razors Edge” and it’s partner quality was Focus. It was all about honing in on the very few, going for exceptional refinement and high quality. I likened it to the art of drawing the sword. Single minded, exacting focus. What happened? It was a mess. At least that’s what it felt like to me. It was more chaotic, overwhelming and all over the place than I had been in a looong time. Everything seemed to become less refined, less exacting. After a few months I finally had to let go of my struggle to follow through, because the harder I tried, the more insane it got.
In retrospect, because I felt “Forging Ahead” diminishing, I may have tried to force the upcoming theme without realizing it. Thus it didn’t have staying power or take the shape it was meant to.
Then it came.
Within a month of letting go, my daughter was born and with her arrival came “Serenity in the Hurricane”… with that old familiar: SSSSLLLLAAAP! “Aaah, there you are.” I didn’t end up writing the post, but I think because it got addressed when I spoke to discovering the qualities I need to develop for my children’s sake. And “Serenity in the Hurricane” has been that guiding theme these last 8 months. What a shift that has produced. Unlike anything I’ve experienced to date. A point along the path that has brought everything from before a major turning point 8 years ago and everything after, together, intertwining into a cohesive whole.
With that has now come the newest… gift. A couple weeks ago came the upcoming theme. And this ones radiating. Strong.
I’m going to share that soon. In the meantime, seeing as we’ve fallen upon the New Year (of 2012), a time when many of us resolve to make this one better than the last, what has spoken to you about what lies ahead? What inclinations have resounded? If you need to dig a bit, don’t worry. We all find ourselves at some point having to do so. Take a moment. Listen. Discover.
What is the theme opening up before you? And the development of what companion quality will assist you through it?
Dare to Evolve!
Shane.
Shane,
What is the new “theme”??? I have to know!
Haha! Coming right up brother. : )
My theme is detaching from what leaders decide.