So here we are again in December. The time when we reflect and take stock of all that we’ve accomplished or in some cases, not accomplished. Heck, sometimes it is even difficult to find time during the holiday season to sit still and breathe, let alone reflect!
What did you set out to accomplish in 2016? But, before you harangue yourself for not finishing everything, think about your year beyond your list of goals.
I’ve always found this poem to be poignant; given that we are nearing the end of the calendar year.
People always come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
It is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
Or to provide you with guidance and support,
To aid you physically, emotionally, or even spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend to you, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
This person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they just walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, and our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.
When people come into your life for a SEASON,
It is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.
And like Spring turns to Summer and Summer to Fall,
The season eventually ends.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
Those things you must build upon to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person anyway;
And put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas in your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.
Thank you for being part of my life,
Whether you were a reason, a season, or a lifetime
Consider the people in your circles at work and social. Who were/are the reason, people? What lessons did you learn? How did you grow?
Who are the season individuals? What experiences did they bring for you that brought joy? When the reason and season people in your life moved on, were you able to accept that it was time and think about the growth in your life?
Who are the lifetime folks? What are you doing to learn from those individuals?
Relationships are not meant to be one-sided. Think also about your influence on the lives of others. Who have you represented to them? Have you been released from a relationship along your journey? What did you bring to the space that you shared?
At work, if you are a manager/leader you can extend that idea to new employees, new clients, and new upper management. If you have hired someone for a job you can extend that to the consultants, new customers, and customers you may have lost.
If you are a team member, you can extend that to your boss, co-worker, and the idea that 2017 is the time for a change. Maybe it’s time for you to push for a promotion, get/finish a degree, or even a new job.
As you move forward into 2017, consider how you will ‘show up’ to those in your life. Take steps to ensure that you are bringing your authentic self, both in the workplace and in life in general.
To those of you celebrating holidays in the next few weeks, enjoy!
All the best, see you in January!
