Gaining Wisdom, Gaining Years (December 2010)

I am posting this message for you as I enter my last working week of 2010.  It has been a really full year - full of things I am grateful for; new projects, flourishing clients, exciting places to visit, happy memories, and plenty growth and learning (sometimes the hard way!).  Like each year around this time I am also remembering the people who are no longer physically with us as we move into a New Year.  This is especially drawn to my attention as I write Christmas cards, and find I have less to write each year. Your message today is about gaining years, and it is written for you by Lindsay  Adam, who is Learning and Development Manager with Grampian Fire and Rescue Services.  Thanks Lindsay!   

"Well this seems like a better title than getting older and not liking it. If you are like me you will be thinking that the last 15 years have flashed by. If only time could slow down, or we could re-rerun the years with our current knowledge and wisdom, then apply everything that we have learnt “back then”.

I was lucky enough this year to have a significant birthday (55) and spend it in New Zealand. Like many I have some problems with getting older in a western culture which could value mature folk more. Whilst the ageing process is not easy for either males or females, there is still a real upside to growing older and it lies in the area of self-realisation and acceptance.

Recent years have given me the gift of becoming” my true self”, knowing and

valuing myself better. I know my true strengths and don’t turn them on and off – they

are on most of the time. I was recently given the compliment that I am living a holistic

lifestyle which I had never considered to be the case – coaching, yoga, walking,

reading – yes, I guess that’s true. Accepting self, being grateful for health, family,

friends and seeking well being rather than material gain are a real bonus from growing older. I still want more “things”, but the things are experiences rather than cars, clothes, sofas. In other words I now truly understand what is important, which I certainly didn’t whilst younger, craving and wanting things in the search for happiness. The less desirable features of youth such as insecurity, self-doubt and criticism, jealousy have lessened.

Having just visited my family I really appreciate still having my parents and uncle still in their 80s, also my sisters and their families and of course friends. I make sure that I have small and bigger things to look forward to and also understand more fully that you add value in work/life by using your unique talents. This for me is one of the special things about coaching – finding out that which is unique in others and can be used to their benefit. They too can then stay forever young and interestingly imperfect too! "

So what has Lindsay's message above made you think about? What are the great things that each year brings for you - the things that are positive about ageing?

Wishing you, and the people you hold as special in your life, a fun, peaceful festive season, and everything you wish for in 2011.

warm wishes,
Alison
 write to me at alison@gaincoaching.com

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Previous Messages

  Walk this Way

  Make your Mark

  Your Year

  Relationship Ripples

  Facets of Friendship - Part 2 - Chemistry

  Facets of Friendship - Part 1

  Being your own Coach

  Expand Your Life

  Patterns

  Losses, Gains & Gratitude

  Getting Your Sparkle Back

  Seasons for Change