WHAT DO YOU REALLY SEE?
Today is 1st January 2014. Traditionally a time for reflection and setting New Year Resolutions and Goals. I gave up on the goal setting many years ago however I always spend some time reflecting and setting my intentions for the year ahead.
I looked at myself in the mirror today, and I mean really looked. No distraction of favourite clothes or jewellery. No thoughts other than as we go into yet another year, how have I treated this body to date.
I could of course see the evidence of the Christmas Quality Street saga, the coconut sweet bread and black cake (Christmas cake in UK speak). I could also see evidence of a bit too much food and not quite enough exercise. I was also grateful that I couldn’t see too much evidence of the physiology thyroid deficiency because I know that many with the same condition are double my size through no fault of their own. I have been there and done that in the past, going from a lifetime size 8 to a size 16, despite a good diet and many hours in the gym each week.
I could also see evidence of the moderate exercise that is part of my daily life. I could see the evidence of the skincare routine.
“Some flexibility is one of the keys to life.”
I stretched to the left. To the right. Backwards. Forwards. OK flexibility, and also awareness of where more would be beneficial, so I promise to do something about that, spending at least a little time each week just stretching, moving, dancing (gotta keep those #DanceBreaks going! If you follow me on facebook you will know what I’m talking about)
My thoughts also wandered along the pathway of flexibility in other areas of life. Being less rigid about thoughts and beliefs. Less inflexible about how things should or must be done. They say that the strongest and longest lasting trees are those which sway, flex and bend with the forces of nature rather than fight against it.
I looked at my hair, hanging down by my waist. So grateful because this only came about after going bald and losing all of my hair many years ago, one of those wonderful blessings and clouds with silver linings.
I look at myself to see whether some of the previous pressures of life had taken their toll. Thankfully not. I can’t personally see too much evidence of the traumas or abuse that have gone before etched on my physical form, so I also take that as a good sign that they haven’t been etched on my soul or psyche either.
I looked at myself and was grateful that I apparently don’t look like one would expect given my chronological years. At a family gathering last week someone, a cousin that I grew up with, looked at me straight in the face and said bluntly, almost like a command: “How old are you?!” I replied. “Mmmmm” they said, raising an eyebrow, “You haven’t got any wrinkles. How do you stay looking the same?” I know that I don’t look the same (a quick glance through my facebook photo albums over the years tells me that), and I know I have a few lines that have managed to creep up in there, however I do still hold the illusion, or maybe delusion, that I pretty much look roughly the same.
I also know that in my mind I’m still about 22 years old, maybe 24 at a push.
I looked at myself in the mirror and asked what next? Where do we, me and my physical body go from here? What do we embrace and move forwards into as another year unfolds and progresses?
I think a good start would be to continue to look after myself as best as I can. My gym bunny days ended many years ago however I shall keep up with my ‘little and often’ approach to self maintenance with the odd burst of something more substantial.
I will definitely add more fruit and vegetables to the diet this year. My little NutriBullet Christmas present to myself should help with that.
I will continue to clear out and detox my mind and thoughts whenever necessary.
I will endeavour to do more to pursue my dreams and explore more of who I am and what I am here to do on this earth.
Events of this year have proven time and time again that time waits for no man (or woman), so with that in mind I will also endeavour to make the most of the time that I have been given and take good and exciting opportunities when they come to me and also get out there and create and make my own.
Wishing you all the best for the New Year ahead.
May it bring you everything you dream of and so much more.
Marilyn Devonish xx
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ABOUT MARILYN DEVONISH
Marilyn Devonish is a TranceFormational Change Coach, Freelance Magazine Writer, Keynote Speaker, and Observer and Reflector of Life. Coming into the field of Coaching, Therapy and Transformation in the year 2000 after her own life and health literally fell apart, she has been passionate about helping others who are ready to change and transform ever since.
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