You might completely miss it!

Well, if you are anything like me, at this point in the year – it may all feel like one big blur. That’s not to say that nothing eventful or exciting ever happened and it was a dull forgettable year (it’s far from it actually). Yet the exhaustion and the constant running from one thing to another (otherwise known as the rat race) just leaves me feeling a little mental – and by mental I mean like that dazed emoji with the spirals for eyes, maybe you feel the same.

I must be honest, it really can be tempting to just want to dive into the new year and think phew! New year, new slate, new chapter, new chances, new opportunities (add all other possible newness that I might have forgotten). Now, this is true and very necessary, so please, please do look forward with hope at all the newness a new year has to offer, but can I suggest that you look back for just a moment.

I was recently in Mitchells Plain (Cape Town) for a 1st Thursday at the RLABS HOUSE. A friend and I were walking toward the house when I turned back (can’t for the life of me remember why, just so glad I did) and was completely awestruck by a stunning sunset – it was truly one of those moments where you just stand and take it in – no words needed and I thought to myself if I had never looked back, I would have completely missed it.

Looking back can be easier for some, more than others. It is a lot easier if you had a cracking year, crushed all your goals and even developed the six pack for good measure. Yet for others the year may have been filled with pain, loss and grief, maybe failure or heartbreak, and in that case trust me, I completely understand why you would want to step on the gas and accelerate toward the new year without ever wanting to look in the rear-view mirror.

I’ve learnt the hard way, that you cannot fully enjoy where you are heading, without taking a moment to fully appreciate where you have come from or what you have come through. No matter what this year may have been like, don’t completely miss reflecting on the year that’s about to set. The fact that you are able to look back, means you are still here, you made it (that might even surprise some of you), and if you made it, it means you are a lot stronger than you think, a lot more courageous than you give yourself credit for, and far more resilient than you might be willing to admit.

Here's my challenge to us all (those with the cracking year and those with a cracked year)”

Just for a moment - look into that rear-view mirror - take a deep breath - and then smile and nod goodbye to the year, knowing full well that you see it through the lens of a beautiful sunset. That every experience (good or bad) helped shape the better, growing version of you, who enters a new year with awareness and wisdom.

Yes, I know you read the memes on Pinterest that says “Don’t look back – you are not going in that direction”, or if you are Bible-reading person – then Lots Wife comes to mind, and off course let’s not forget “Where focus goes – energy flows”….. all of these in context is totally right!!

But my challenge to you was to look back just long enough so that you don’t completely miss out – learn the lesson and get your grow on. You see my friend, looking back isn’t the problem, remaining stuck there is!

Happy reflecting!!

Ché