I started this year, confused but hopeful, tired yet energised, full of ideas and possibilities but also waiting...
One of my favourite ways to spend Chrimbo Limbo* is by rereading my journal, highlighting the parts worth keeping and reflecting on the year that has gone by. It reminds me of the joyful moments I had forgotten, the simple gratitude of each day, the words God spoke to me, and the way I have encouraged myself.
So often we look back at the year gone with despair, "I shall do better next year". This simple ritual inspires me with hope, to build on the place I have come to this year.
I thought over the next few days, between this blog and my coaching blog, I would share some of those reflections as I look towards next year.
For many years now, I have sought out a word for the year. Sometimes it's a word that ties together my goals, other times it is an intention in its own right, and then sometimes I just have a word and see where it goes! Having a word isn't magical or woo - it's just a way of focusing your year. For me, this is often a word I have prayed about as I set my goals up for the new year. Sometimes it changes with the seasons, sometimes I have no word or phrase.
My word for 2022 was 'presence', but with a play on its sound making it 'presents' also. In a way it was a cheeky one, I knew my 40th was coming up!! However, I felt a sense in myself that the 'presence' part was where I could set intentions but the 'presents' part needed me to just trust God for. I came up with 5 phrases to help me:
Enjoy my presence - look after me, accept myself, have changeable routines
Enjoy the present - digital detox, reflect, & spend time with family and friends
Enjoy his presence - grow in my faith, embrace seasons, sabbath, worship
Enjoy the presents - celebrate and be thankful, move house, turn 40
Be a present! - Be more me! Use Library, Coaching, Collect Music
Looking back, it didn't quite show up like the above - but that's what I find so fascinating about having a word to centre the year around. It's stirred up thankfulness and hope in me
So, here 8 ways Presence/Presents' showed up in 2022:
1. February: My Sister's Baptism
It was an absolute pleasure in February (despite the stormy weather!) to be part of my sister's and brother-in-law's baptism. Being present with my family has been quite prominent this year, and this was definitely an answered prayer present!
2. February: I Started My Coaching Journey
February was also full of presence as I began my coaching journey with Optimus Coaching Academy. It has been an incredible adventure and in November I gained my diploma! I have loved it all, the learning, the peer coaching, and our weekend crew! Most of all I have loved learning to 'partner in the dance', to be present and hold space for my clients.
If you would like to know more about 1:1 coaching do get in touch with me oareinspiredcoaching@gmail.com or follow me @oareinspired on instagram
3. March/April: I turned 40
It was amazing; I completed 3/4 of my 40 by 40 list in the six months beforehand, had a wonderful day off on the actual day, and danced the night away at the weekend. Lots of presence, lots of presents!
4. May: I Moved House from a Sunbed
The whole house saga finally ended more than a year after it began! Yes the house itself was a huge present, but the journey was about presence - trusting God had gone before me for this home. It was also about the present of friendship. I moved, whilst on a sunbed in Barcelona (also a much-needed present) thanks to some incredible friends.
5. August: I Had A Summer in London
Having had my holiday back in May, I was craving some away time. I had a couple of events booked at the end of the summer in London, so decided to spend a few days up there. I had a great day with my godson, with friends, I met my peer coach in person, and I watched the most amazing show: The Southbury Child. Immersing myself in the things I love the most: food, friends & theatre was a much-needed present.
6. November: I Walked A Dog
This came along as a surprise! I was asked to dogsit for someone and it ended up being for three weeks. Walking each morning and evening (mostly in the rain) gave me thinking time and time to be in God's presence. The money gained, was also an appreciated present!
7. November: I Went For An Interview
Hot of the news I had passed my Live observation through Optimus Coaching Academy, I couldn't believe it when I was asked for an interview by a company I'd only dreamed of working with. I had noticed the job, and sent it to a friend, who replied saying "you could do this - you should apply". I felt so out of my depth but got some peer coaching and realised it was only in my mind, I really could apply for this, so I did and expected to hear nothing - instead, I got an interview! Sadly it wasn't the one for me, but knowing I could 'Be More Me' and be present in that space was a huge learning curve.
8. November: I Sang With The Band
It has been over 2 years since our whole worship team have been all together; with young children, missed holidays, work patterns and covid restrictions, it has been so unusual to find ourselves all together, yet here we were. It has been on my heart for so long to lead an encounter night, and God made it, so for the first one, we were all together. It was like something broke through finally in me and allowed me to just minister freely in his presence, bring present, bringing a present. It was wonderful.
That's my 365 word for the year - did you have a word this year? What was yours? Next week I'll share with you the word I have come to for 2023!
Speak Soon
L
*the time betwixt Christmas Day & New Year's Day
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