This is a big week for my son Jack who is in first grade. It's his "All About Me" presentation. We spent some time this weekend gathering all of the items that he believes are a representation of who he is right now. This morning, I was walking behind him and watching him carry his box full of items, head held high, proud of what he had chosen and really sure of who he is, right now, at age 7. It got me thinking about this exercise, "All about Me." If I were to put my life on display today, what would be in my box? What would be proudly displayed on the table?
What I noticed in my son's box, were not only hobbies that he's interested in at present (baseball, Lakers cards, Harry Potter) but also past accomplishments (soccer trophies, art pieces) and photos of his family, including grandparents. This is a great exercise for all of us, no matter what age. Women's lives are so busy today with many demands for our precious time. We typically make sure that everyone around us is achieving their dreams and goals---children, family, friends, co-workers, and community. We don't have much time to get into that space where it's "All About Me." However, it's essential that we do this, if we are to manifest our own dreams, take our own risks, meet our own challenges and create our legacy. In my work with women, one of the benefits they share over and over again, is that it gives them the space and creative environment to focus on their "All About Me." It's taking that time to learn what's next for you and then making a plan to make it happen.
How about you? What would be in your "All About Me" display today? Would you stand back to admire all that you have accomplished? Would there be a representation of where you are going in the future? Are all of your dreams and goals represented? Is there something that you would like to include but have not had time to get around to it? If so, make some time this week to sit down in a quiet place, maybe with a cup of tea or coffee, a journal and a writing pen in your favorite color. Make it an "All About Me" hour or entire day! Ask yourself a few key questions. A wonderful question by a very wise and talented author, Parker Palmer, goes like this, "If your life were asking you a question, what would the question be?"
What do you need to let go of in order to create your next big idea? Notice that I said "let go of." We live in a society where it appears that we always need more of something in order to move forward. Sometimes the act of "letting go" creates the space you need to live into that big idea or preferred life.
My "All About Me" would certainly be displayed with my husband, children, family, mentors and coaches. It would also include a celebration of the women who have come into my life to discover their passion and purpose. It would have the color lavender somewhere and, of course, my nautilus shell, representing the evolution of a woman's life.
As Jack, Jenna, and I finished putting his display together in the classroom, the three of us stood back and took a long look. We then turned to each other with a smile and nod of the head. Yes, this truly was his "All About Me."
Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.
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© 2008 Joy Chudacoff
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