Life is full of stories

Life is full of stories.  Some we tell in words – and sometimes pictures speak to us.  Here is the chronicle of a week of my life, seen through the filter of ‘sunrise’. 

Sunday:  this week began in Cape Town where I love watching the light change as the sun rises behind the Waterfront.

Wednesday:  at home in Pietermaritzburg, the view from my window excites me as each new day dawns.

Saturday:  the week ended in the KZN Midlands at Hartford House, award winning country hotel, a ‘world-class hotel on a world-class stud farm’.  We were the guests of Mick and Cheryl Goss and this was a truly memorable experience.  The mist hung over the dam next to our cottage and sunrise enriched the mystery of the new day. 

So, what does this story tell us?  On reflection, it tells me that I need to include those sights, sounds and other experiences that truly make me feel ‘alive’.  ‘Sunrise’ is one of my ‘touchstones’ and I try to incorporate every day where possible. 

What are your ‘touchstones’?  Think about it carefully.  List those experiences that make you feel your best.  What are they?  And then try to include these in as many different aspects of your life as possible.

Let me give you an example:  one of my coaching clients loves the sound of natural moving water.  The sea, waterfalls and streams are ‘touchstones’ for her.  When I visited her at work, I asked her how she was incorporating these elements in her business life.  Through our conversation she realised that she wasn’t doing enough.  There was a beautiful stream at the end of the business property and her practice was to begin taking her lunch and enjoying it next to the stream.  She loved these daily trips and felt that this was good for her soul!

So, think again.  What are some of those experiences that make you feel really good?  You can bring them into your life even in the form of photos – just as I have done in the ‘chronicle’ above.  The same applies with people.   I took a photo of my coaching course leaders who are outstanding role models.  I’m placing that in my office and whenever I’m not certain how I should handle a situation, my question to myself is:  ‘what questions would Craig and Janine ask me right now?’.  My answers help me to be in touch with my reality.

Let me ask you again:  Who are those people who inspire you, help you to grow?  How can you incorporate them in your life even more?  

Identify the people who have a positive impact on your life.  Be more aware of those sights, smells, sounds and feelings that bring out the best in you.  Carefully consider how you can include in your ‘story’ and you will benefit.