The Blank Calendar (What Do You Want?)

There it is. The blank calendar. If you’re like me, it opens your heart to aspirations for the year ahead. In the past, I was giddy to fill in my clean calendar with travel, birthdays, Mardi Gras, July 4th and Thanksgiving. Oh, yea, also work appointments. This year, it is a heavier task. Will it finally be safe to spend time with our sons? What about the trip to Cape Cod we’ve been planning for more than a year? Will I be able to return to coaching with my local clients in person?

The year 2021 presents a most unique moment in time. My favorite question as a coach is “What do you want?” But just now this feels an especially difficult question. Financially challenged, jobless, home-schooling our kids while working full time, graduating with poor work prospects, caring for elderly parents, who has the luxury of wanting anything? Our calendar will remain at best tentative, and at worst blank - - at least for the near-future. So, how do we manage those aspirations for the year(s) ahead?

Studies show that most of us are experiencing greater anxiety, driven in large part by a heightened inability to control our future. Although we certainly can’t control the pandemic, the political unrest, or the economy, we can make choices that support our wellbeing. In addition to daily walks with my husband or a friend, I add to my calendar an outdoor swim on Tuesday and Saturday. Done. Add to my calendar the twice monthly Zoom call with extended family. Done. Add to my calendar work deadlines and client sessions for February. Done. Write a check to the local Food Bank. Done. And, add an online quilting class for next month. Done! Bring into focus your intention for dozens of things you DO have control over. Baby steps!

For those transformational aspirations that loom large, such as moving to a new part of the country, leaving an unhealthy relationship, what to do after graduation, or shifting to a new career, now is the perfect time to do the soul-searching and planning that supports a happy and successful transition. Transformation!

When the world opens up again, how will you show up for your future? WHAT DO YOU WANT?