As July unfolds, I’ve decided the Mid-Year Check-In is so vital that I am devoting the month to this reflective and growth-oriented pursuit. A recent teleseminar reminded that summer is a perfect period to stop and contemplate – along with relaxing, of course.
Personally, I feel strongly we ought to take stock all 12 months. At least January Intention-Setting and July Re-Sets are a start. For today, I offer my emerging acronym, ACED. Awake, Clear, Energized and Deserving represent how I increasingly choose to spend my precious days.
Awake
How many of you can relate to arriving onto this plane high-spirited and joyful? Yet, you came to a shut-down family that devalued feeling and self-expression. I thought so; more than one of you. I’m here to say, it’s time to re-awaken your exuberant essence. As African-American civil rights leader, Howard Thurman, famously said: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it…the world needs people who have come alive.” Amen!
Clear
Last time, I mentioned drawing a line in the sand to render a firm “no” to participating with anyone or in any activities that consume or drain my valuable energy stores. Just this week, I sent a very specific message to a group whose behaviors violate my core values. I choose not to ‘be with’ their generally-unconscious energy. Thus, I have removed myself to give them freedom to be themselves while I forge on to affiliate with more closely-aligned connections.
Energized
As a result of making these decisions, I find my energy returning. For, I have realized anew how dragging-down are uninspiring associations of any sort. Always remember, we become the average of the five people around whom we spend the most time. As each week passes, I anticipate regaining the spunk to focus on cherished projects and initiatives for the benefit of audiences I serve via radio, coaching, speaking and writing (this blog being one of them).
Deserving
You’ve likely heard this a million times. We teach others how to treat us. Consider this 1,000,001 times. It is critical. Indeed, I am taking a stand for the treatment I deserve – as well as what I refuse to any longer tolerate. Certain people in my circles will be very surprised. I have accustomed them to a meek and mild Carol-Ann. They may not recognize the strong version that commands respect. I did not say unkind. I said deserving. Big difference.
I end with this inquiry: What have you ACED so far this year?
Carol-Ann Hamilton
Latest posts by Carol-Ann Hamilton (see all)
- Once Housed, We’re Good - January 21, 2021
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