This time of year we hear a lot about resolutions, what’s ahead for us, how to move forward. Today I had a conversation with a dear friend and colleague, founder of Lead Your Life, LLC, Diane Krause-Stetson. She informed me that her plan for the new year was to look backward. Instead of going for the next hot concept, the myriad innovative ways people will sell us on how to create a business/have a happier life/, she’s decided to put a moratorium on finding new things. She’s perusing her bookshelves and files and workbooks to look for the nuggets of wisdom that she may have overlooked in the past.
It’s a brilliant idea and one we don’t think of often enough. Other than learning about brand new technology that comes along, there really isn’t a whole lot of new information out there. It’s the same ideas recycled, repackaged, retold in ways that can strike us differently depending on the day, the time, the circumstances of our lives.
Besides, the amount of information we are capable of processing at one time is finite. You know how you see or experience something new each time you watch a movie or visit the same place? Imagine all that was overlooked the first time you read “Love is the Killer App” or “Permission Marketing”. Even reading “Lavender Ladies” will reveal something new each time.
So this new year, I’m looking back. Back on my bookshelf, back in my video cabinet, back to my files on my hard drive to discover the gold that I passed by the first time.
I’ll let you know what I learn. And I’ll ask Diane for her list, as well.
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Elder Insights
There’s a huge distinction between choosing positive and denying negative. One empowers, the other, at the very least, confuses.
Here’s an example of difference in the case of an elder relative’s changing needs. In fact, that statement is an example. Choosing the phrase “changing needs” is choosing a positive view of the situation, as opposed to a negative view of “declining”. I’m choosing to see this as changing needs and doing so helps to keep me in a proactive frame of mind to look for modifications.
Now if I were denying the negative, I would be more apt to avoid or overlook what needs to be done because I am not allowing myself to see the changing needs. The opposite of denying the negative is not necessarily seeing the positive. Changing needs might not even be on my radar, because I am focused on avoidance rather than viewing the situation as it is.
The first example puts me in action, will get results. The second example doesn’t allow for action, because there is nothing to be modified if I deny it’s existence.
When you choose to be positive about a situation that others see as “bad” or “negative”, you have accomplished several things.
- You feel better about what is happening because you see solutions
- The people in your care feel confident and reassured
- Positive energy is replenishing, where negative is draining, so you automatically create more “hours” in your day
The importance of this distinction is so you can create situations that are uplifting and nourishing while tending to what needs to be addressed.
So go forth and choose positive. You don’t have to deny a thing when you’re pro-active.
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Elder Insights