Ron Tustin - Will You Thrive in 2011?

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"Adventure is not outside us; it is within." George Eliot

Will you thrive in 2011?

December is a very busy month for all of us. In the southern hemisphere it is mostly about the end of the year’s work, celebrations, juggling time and energy among end of year parties and preparations for Christmas festivities, as well as summer holidays. I am also sure that many of us have read the advice that different people offer us at this time of year to reduce stress and have a joyful time. That is why I will not be writing about that!

But this can also become a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next one.

In the South Island of New Zealand 2010 has been a memorable year – damage from severe weather and heavy snow in Southland, a major earthquake in Canterbury and the loss of 29 men in a coal mine in a small West Coast community. For many ‘mainlanders’ these events have left an indelible mark on us. Many other people throughout the country and throughout the world have shared in people’s losses.

Coping?

The consistent message coming through from those who wish to help has been one of ‘how to cope’ and ‘how to survive’. This information and advice is very helpful in the immediate aftermath of events such as earthquakes and mine disasters.

I have been constantly and consistently amazed at the resilience and strength of people who are ‘coping’ under enormous stress. However I am even more buoyed by many people who now see another aspect to living through such tragedies and difficulties – they see it as an opportunity to take a step back and look at what are the possibilities and opportunities now in their own lives and what lessons they have learnt. More and more people are asking themselves how can they now ‘thrive’ from this experience.

Will we survive or will we thrive?

This is what one person told me.

“Sure, when the earthquake hit and I lost so much, I appreciated the advice of how to cope, or if you like how to get from minus 10 to zero again and function well. But soon I realised that I needed more – to see the opportunities now, to thrive if you like and get from zero to plus ten.”

I have encountered many stories like this. So many people have lost so much but at the same time they have realised they are still here and they still have close friends and family around them.

Someone I work with told me that the goals he has been working on do not seem as relevant now and he wanted to focus on some ‘bigger picture’ views. For many of us that may mean spending more time with friends, taking more time for your self or focusing on how we can more meaningfully contribute to their world.

Becoming more fulfilled

Next year for many of us will be a time to focus on the goals that closely match our values, to do the things we really want to do.

• For many people this will be very clear and they will do this on their own with a good group of supportive friends around them.

• For others of us we may need some help, it may be about teaming up with someone else who is doing something similar.

• Or it may be about looking for a professional – someone who will be there for you as you work through what you want to do, someone to be accountable to, someone to share in your successes.

Whatever road you choose in 2011 to become more fulfilled and consequently to be happier, I wish the very best for you. I have enjoyed talking to you this year and have also enjoyed the feedback I receive from many of you. Please continue to do that!

“A promise is a cloud; fulfillment is rain”- Arabian proverb

Ron Tustin
Revive and Thrive Coaching

Read Ron's Blog
www.reviveandthrivecoaching.com
info@rtc.org.nz
Ph 0800 003679
 
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Published 14th Dec 2010

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