In 2010 I will Connect the Dots - Will you join me?

I have been blessed with a very good life. I work hard at everything I set my mind to and I have a lot to show for that.

2009 was a transitional year for me. I spent the year adjusting to the fact that Change was necessary or stagnation would dictate a downward spiral from which recovery would be difficult.

Whether it's my age/stage in life, the fact that I've been out of the 'professional stream' for so many years, or just basic fear of the unknown - this life transition is proving very difficult for me.

I am a walking gift set in so many areas with proven results in a variety of fields, including Communications, Marketing, Writing, Training/Development and Data Mining/Resourcing. In addition to the professional skills required for any initiative I choose to launch - I have a myriad of abilities that don't always appear on resumes, like: reliable and accurate intuition, keen insight and perception, and an ability to see the truth or issue through the overlays of drama or emotion that may be cloaking it. In fact, it is these abilities that will lead my manifestation for 2010 - and therein lies the mire in which I'm stuck.

What I desire to do with my life going forward is to help people Connect the Dots. We all dwell in this big picture that is our life ~ but what we don't always do so well is to recognize key events or experiences that can get lost amongst all the other events and experiences that populate our days, weeks, months and years.

We aren't always exactly clear about our own Truths or Values vs. those that belong to people we're aiming to please, serve or work for. And if we are clear about our own Truths and Values - we don't always give them the priority and power in decision making that would bring more meaning, integrity and authenticity to our lives.

As a result, we sometimes find ourselves operating on 'automatic pilot' - getting things done without actually ever 'showing up' to do it. And when this gets to a level of discomfort that can no longer be ignored - we may be at a loss in determining what exactly to do about it. Where to start? How to change?

So, that's where I am now - standing on my path with Enthusiasm and Commitment, looking at the signposts of Where To Start and How To Change - - and not moving anywhere at all. I've targetted key words to keep busy and stimulate action - they are Discipline, Honesty, Awareness and Responsibility. As you'll see from the graphic I've created - these are now the boundaries and parameters of my next best me. In 2010, all thoughts, words and actions (my own and those of others) will be assessed with Discipline, Honesty, Awareness and Responsibility before they'll be allowed access into My Life.

The Assessment and Evaluative Measurement Tool I'll be using: Does this thought, word and/or action support and animate my life theme for 2010 - Honouring What Really Matters with Inspiration, Authenticity and Abundance.

That's as far as I've gotten thus far. I have taken time to list specific measures for Inspiration, Authenticity and Abundance so that I'm clear what that looks like to me as I apply Honesty, Awareness and Responsibility with Discipline during my assessment. I'll be charting this out shortly and I will post the results in a subsequent blog post.

I have decided that themed blog posts make more sense going forward than the random stream of consciousness writing I've indulged in to-date. One of my goals for 2010 is to grow a readership following both here at Spinning With Spirit and also on the Caring Creates Fan Page. To earn a dedicated readership, I recognize that I must provide information of interest ~ I am committed to giving that my best effort and do hope you'll sign up as a Follower or a Fan if you like, or can benefit, from the information I will share. I'd also be grateful if you would pass either or both of these sites mentioned on to people in your life who you feel might benefit from the information too.

I have really struggled with how to make my offering clear to the world at large. We are all familiar with the game of Connect the Dots - but if someone presented themselves to you as a Dot Connector, would that mean anything at all? I've sat in the web of this challenge for too long now ~ so, I've decided to take action in the following ways:

1. I'm going to document the life of a Dot Connector (me) in an ongoing Blog Series throughout 2010. And if it doesn't take a whole year to cover all the sub-headings and topics I encounter along the way -- then I'll create a blog series about something else that will be of meaning or value to those who read my work and follow my progress.

I'm considering this blog post as my Introduction - the first installment will be titled Old Habits Die Hard and its purpose will be to shine the light on all the things I'll do to avoid focussing on What Really Matters - and Working Through the Resistance that will come at the hands of unexpected circumstances, push-back from others, doubt and insecurity.

2. I'll dedicate significant time and energy this month to clarifying my business focus with the help of two wonderful women I've met online. Tonight marks the beginning of a two week Soulful Business Planning process with Lisa Hines. I'm very excited about that.

I've also signed up to receive a 30 Days to Change Your Game Blog Series hosted by Sarah Robinson at Escaping Mediocrity.

3. I've turned up the dials on Self-Discipline, Personal Responsibility, Honesty and Awareness so that my effectiveness can run parallel to my capacity and ability.

I'll gratefully accept all the support and feedback I find along the way. It is my hope that in Living Open this way, others will find me on their paths and we can perhaps walk together when our challenges are similar and when we've each got something of value to share with the other to ensure all end goals are realized.

I'd love to know - are you in a similar place yourself right now? Please leave a comment and tell me about it if you are ...