As we approach the end of 2012, it’s a great time to take a life review; I like to think of this process as a “Life RevYou” it’s not about goals you set and whether you’ve achieved them, or berating yourself for the things you didn’t get done. A Life RevYOU is about YOU. How far you’ve come in your life and where you want to go. You the person, you the woman.
I find it helpful to start with photos. I’ve been looking at pictures with my brother when I was four and he was six. The way he holds my hand in almost every picture, already taking the role of protector. I think of the slight lisp I had, the hearing problems that made me reluctant to speak up and how much that has changed! Being a visual person, I love to surround myself with pictures so I create a board with pictures that show me my journey as part of my Life RevYOU.
Next, write yourself a letter. Address it to “Dear You” and let you know all the things you’re proud of. The things you know have taken courage to overcome, the little things that nobody else will know are a struggle for you or take determination to complete. Let yourself know how great you’re looking – go on, it’s for your eyes only. Remind yourself of the daily tasks you complete, that are routine to everyone else, and how important they are. My letter to myself from last year is still on my wall in the office. I glow every time I read it.
The final part of the RevYOU is to be honest about where you’re going from here. What do you want to add to that letter next year? What one thing are you going to do more of to increase your own sense of worth, your own well-being? Remember, the smallest steps are the most important, so set yourself something you are not only able to achieve, but committed to achieving. Mine for 2013 is this “I’m proud of you for taking swimming up again, I know that was a big step, that you overcame lots of personal fears and you stuck with it.”
I’d love to know how you get on with your own Life RevYOU.
Dinah 🙂