Taking Stock On The Past And Notes For The Future. {Blog Hop}

I have been extremely inspired by the Artizen Coaching Website ever since the day I found it. It is a rich resource in not only inspiration, but strategy and organization for the creative mind. Her book "Right Brain Business Plan" is something that I am proud to say I have pre-ordered and am looking forward to the release of. 

The first little nugget in my e mail from Jennifer Lee, the Life Coach who is responsible for all of these wonderful sites and sources of inspiration, was about the end of the new year and questions to ask yourself.

• What was the most exciting, heart-stirring thing that happened in your life and/or business this year?

The biggest thing I can say that I accomplished this year was the Milk For Jayden milk drive. Because of that we filled the freezers of Jayden's family with donated, life saving breast milk - and it has also connected me with numerous people in the community. Including Laura, a woman who contacted me because she travels to the area where Jayden lives with her family and offered to run milk over there monthly. Because of that we can continue to supply this family with the milk they need to nourish these children. Not to mention I believe that Laura is a great person and a wonderful addition to my life both personally and professionally. 

• What was your biggest learning?

I have learned not to ever underestimate people's ability to turn on one another. To understand that I should not let my admiration of others turn into trust too quickly and to protect myself and my ideals from people who could do them harm. Not that I shouldn't let anyone in, just that I should be more selective and careful about it. I have to understand that I have a tendency to create family from the world around me because of my lack of a real family experience as a child. In many ways this is a really good thing, but it's also dangerous. I can't assume that because I value someone like family that they also value me in this way. Even if they are really family.  

• How did you stretch yourself?

I quit my job and allowed myself to take the experiences I have learned there and everywhere else I have been, the experiences of others around me and compiled them into an idea that is so big it kind of scares me. I am daring to dream BIG - and even though I have always been a dreamer, I have always wanted to keep it on a fairly small and manageable level as to not overwhelm or over work myself....plus, I'm admittedly kind of lazy. I tend to over imagine and exhaust myself instead of putting forth an effort to being productive about it. I've often said that I would be an amazing business owner if I didn't have to deal with ANY of the numbers or boring details. Just full creative control. This time my dreams have brought me to see such a need, such an amazing idea - which I can not believe hasn't been done before - I simply can not ignore it. This will be my life's work.

 I have this feeling in my gut that tells me that THIS is where everything I have ever been through has lead me, and that this is what I will be remembered for. It makes me want to throw up a little because it feels so real and so crazy big. If this succeeds it could change the lives of a lot of mothers, and what excites me about that is that I realize that this would change the world. When we facilitate the mother, help her take care of herself, to realize and pursue her goals or help ignite her spirit and creativity she will BE a better mother.

Part of why I became a doula was because I realized that helping a woman have a positive birthing experience could set the tone for the relationship she develops with her baby. If she is a better mother to that baby, the possibilities of that baby becoming a better person in the future are much greater. People who hurt are usually hurt people. If we could just take better care of the children, we would be taking better care of our futures. To take better care of the children, we have to facilitate who cares for them. We all know how difficult it can be as a mother to maintain any sense of identity beyond "mother" and that sometimes that can be the root of a lot of depression and even resentment. When we stop caring for ourselves, we stop wanting to care for others, too. I think I may have found an answer....

Now take a deeper look at 2010. Ask yourself the following questions to help spotlight your successes and uncover nuggets of learning:

• Look back at the goals you set out for 2010. Which ones were you most proud of accomplishing? Which goals were easier to meet than you thought? Which ones were more challenging? Why?

Well, I thought that I would be a certified doula by now. I found that it is incredibly awkward and difficult to get health care professions to take the time to fill out a 5 question survey. There was literally not ONE birth that I did FOR FREE that I was able to use because I did not get evaluation forms back from nurses, doctors and even midwives. I am not discouraged though. I was blessed enough to meet many doula's through the last year (give or take) who helped me understand it was less about the certification and more about the work (Thanks, Kriste). I am staying on my path with my head held high.

• How did you honor your values?

I knew when to call it quits and move forward for myself instead of for others. I continued to breastfeed and cloth diaper, which to me is the whole "being the example" thing. I have educated many people and I know that I have directly contributed to many women expanding their knowledge on these things. I have always wanted to have an impact on the world, and luckily enough, my eyes are open enough for me to see the ripple effect I have had. And it's good.

• What did you enjoy doing that you want to do more of?

I am planning on creating more product and getting my crafty fully back. I have been creating so much more and it feeds my spirit - my sheer perseverance to continue on in the path that I have chosen.

• What do you need to stop doing or let go of?

I need to stop being my own worst enemy. I can not allow my fear of failure - or my fear of pursuing money stop me in my tracks. I HATE asking for money but I realize this is going to have to become a huge part of my future if I want this to succeed. Luckily this isn't only for me....this is for every mother I have ever known who needed something that simply wasn't there. It will be easy to do it for them. This is where my passion lies.

I still have so much anger I have to let go of, too. I need to find another way to keep calm. Why do I always feel like I have to be on the defensive? This is another weakness.

• What new opportunities are available for 2011 and beyond?

Ooooohhh.....wouldn't you like to know?!? 

Number one, as soon as I get home from Florida I will have two goals. The first is to get my products in order. Make my labels for the cookies as well as putting together belly casting kits and herbal baths for postpartum mums. Once everything is set and ready I will begin to pursue stores and boutiques to carry my product(s). I will also be participating in blog giveaways everywhere. 

Number two will be setting this much bigger plan into motion by first finding a way to make sure that the idea is legally protected....and once it is - LOOK OUT! Cause I will be starting a revolution and expecting every one of you to be a part of it. 

• In the remaining weeks of the year, is there anything else you want to do to help you put a pretty bow on 2010?

We are going to Florida for the holiday, so actually, my goal right now is to take it easy! I want to go there and get my R+R so when I get back the real work can begin. I am eager to relax and see family, but I am also actually eager to get this new year rolling. This is going to be my year.

NOW - I want to know more about YOUR year. Tell me how it went and how you want next year to go and then leave us a link to your blog here so we can read it and follow each other! Let's start our New Year's united with goals of inspiring each other by expressing what inspires us to the world. 

Add a question of your own. Here's mine:

What is one thing that stands between you and your goals?

Childcare is always an issue for me. I know that I would have a much easier time if I had my days to actually get work done and be consistent in that work. At the same time I realize that Zander will be in school eventually like his brother and sister, and that I would not be doing what I am doing, or have the goals that I have if it were not FOR Zander. Having a baby has been a blessing. It's been wonderful to be a little older this time and to actually plan and enjoy the experience. SO much less stress involved now that I'm older and I have children that are also older who can help me. I have a fantastic community of framily (friends+family=framily) who I am incredibly grateful for. I know that with them and the little family and home I have created for myself I can take on anything....and even if I didn't succeed I would still be OK. 

I love all of you - without you it would all mean nothing and I wouldn't even want to.

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I know I couldn't get all of you in here - but don't for a moment doubt that you, too, are so important to my life.

Copy the questions below and answer them on your blog. Don't forget to also copy and paste the code for the Thumbnail Blog Roll below, too, so others can join in! Remember to subscribe and follow each other. This is all about uniting and sharing with one another and ultimately - the world!

• What was the most exciting, heart-stirring thing that happened in your life and/or business this year?
• What was your biggest learning?
• How did you stretch yourself?

Now take a deeper look at 2010. Ask yourself the following questions to help spotlight your successes and uncover nuggets of learning:

• Look back at the goals you set out for 2010. Which ones were you most proud of accomplishing? Which goals were easier to meet than you thought? Which ones were more challenging? Why?
• How did you honor your values?
• What did you enjoy doing that you want to do more of?
• What do you need to stop doing or let go of?
• What new opportunities are available for 2011 and beyond?
• In the remaining weeks of the year, is there anything else you want to do to help you put a pretty bow on 2010?
• MY QUESTION - What is one thing that stands between you and your goals?

Below - Submit a thumbnail image and a link to your blog/website. Copy the code available and post it on your blog post.

{Copy The Code Below and Paste on YOUR New Years Blog Hop blog post!}

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