Let’s make one thing clear, no matter what you did or didn’t do in 2019 and no matter what you do or don’t do in 2020 - there are some things that do not change. We believe that every day you are creative, resourceful, whole and relational. We believe that every day you are uniquely valuable. Every day you are worthy of being championed. Every day you are capable of solving complex problems. And every day you are ready to live at choice.
As we are all contemplating how to complete 2019 and start creating for 2020 with wisdom and courage, we’d like to offer you this tool as a thank you for supporting us in this year. It was beautiful and messy, full of successes and failures. Whether you’ve supported Lark's Song as a client, colleague, partner, coworker, friend or family member, we are incredibly grateful for you! There are many feelings that come up as we think about 2019, but when we think about the people that have co-created with us, the overwhelming emotions are gratitude and joy!
We hope you will use the following as a tool, one without too many rules. Make it messy or precise, finish all of it in a day, some of it over the coming weeks, or none of it at all. As you use this tool to complete and create, keep the following in mind:
Live at Choice! No one else is responsible for your life and you’re not responsible for anyone else’s, so stop being held hostage by other people and their limits or expectations.
Be Courageous! Failure is actually an option! If you never fail, you are actually choosing to create an ineffective “life laboratory” in which learning and growth cannot take place. Stretch yourself to your maximum potential.
Be Creative! Don’t make rules where there aren’t any. If your life isn’t honoring your strengths, your values, or your purpose, then create one that does. That doesn’t mean that your life circumstances need to drastically change, but it probably does mean that your perspective or approach to them does.
Delight in the process! There are no rules here. You don’t have to answer all 20 questions if you don’t want to. You can skip some, answer some today and some tomorrow, change the questions to fit you in a more personal way – whatever you like. Turn on some music, get something to drink, and enjoy this time.
Write your answers and share your responses with someone! This step takes commitment and courage. Writing something down is an act of commitment, just skimming over the questions will not help. You actually have to write something. Sharing your intentions creates additional responsibility for you, but it is also inspiring to others and gives you the gift of accountability as you accomplish your goals. Step out of your comfort zone and try it.
Our wish for you as you enter 2020 is that you will live a year of that courageously co-creates a more fulfilled and flourishing world - starting with you. Please feel free to share this resource with anyone that you have the same wish for.
(It may be helpful to have your calendar or planner for 2019 and/or 2020 on hand, as well as a journal or other resource for saving your responses.)
1. What were the successes, gains and breakthroughs of 2019?
2. What were your failures, losses and breakdowns of 2019?
3. What do top 3 lessons do you want to hang on to?
4. How do you need to allow yourself to process grief, anger, or sadness for what did not go well in 2019?
5. What repair work needs to be done for harm done to you and harm done by you?
6. What do you need to let go of and release?
7. What one person do you need to pay a gratitude visit to that impacted you in 2019?
(A gratitude visit consists of writing a specific and concrete letter of gratitude that is about 300 words long, setting up a meeting with the recipient, reading it out loud to them, and talking together for about 30 minutes afterwards about their impact and getting curious about what is next for them. Consistent gratitude visits have been shown to diminish depression and increase flourishing more than medication and therapy combined.)
8. As you lean back and look forward, what do you want to savor in this liminal space?
9. What are you tolerating?
(Make a list! All the broken items, stacks, piles, irritants, half-done projects, etc.)
10. What is one courageous choice that, if you made it in 2020, would dramatically change your life?
11. What are 2 simple practices that you could start, adapt or continue every day that make you feel more alive?
11. What is your theme or vision for the 2020?
(This is where you get to imagine! Your vision is just a picture of something better, not goals or strategic action points. What does your picture look like? What do you really want for 2020? If you could sum up the year with one word, what would it be? 2020 – the year of _____)
12. What one thing could you produce in 2020 if you really cultivated your personal creativity?
13. What are your top 3 priorities for 2020?
(If you struggle with aligning priorities or coming up with goals, breakdown your life into categories and assess which categories you would most like to grow in throughout the coming year – professional development, relationship with spouse/significant other, finances, community involvement, personal/spiritual development, health and well-being, leisure and recreation, family and friends, physical environment, etc.)
14. What 2-3 character qualities would you like to develop in 2020?
15. How can you maximize your potential for flow in 2020?
16. What is one thing that you need to remind yourself of every day?
17. How will you remind yourself?
(Get a painting, write it on your mirror, keep a card in your wallet, change the wallpaper on your phone?)
18. If you could heal one relationship, story, space, or problem in 2020, what would it be?
19. What actions do you need to take to 2020 to realize your vision and goals?
20. What accountability will you put in place to ensure your success in 2020?