johnmdemarco posted on December 31, 2011 05:28
2011 was a big “bucket list” scratch-off for yours truly; but, sometimes, I felt like I was scratching in the dark, searching for answers.
Doors closed. People disappointed. I disappointed myself. I traveled a lot for work and missed dozens of dinners, bath times and book readings with my children. At exactly the midpoint of the year, the walls seemed to be closing in and I cried out for help—and received some.
My overall assessment of 2011? As Frank Sinatra would sing, it was a very good year. I mean, the second half of 2011 rocked, and it made the uncertainty of the first six months more than worth the journey.
I reclaimed my first love—book writing—and took it to a new place through the publishing options offered by Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Smashwords (iPad). Two of my books, Narcissus Blinked and Chased by the Wind, are being read by others—a dream come to fruition—and I’ve got lots of momentum and motivation as I currently write two more.
In addition, I reignited the passion for my full-time work as an executive coach, leadership consultant and facilitator, meeting some wonderful people through Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) certification and getting involved in some high-level strategy with my employer.
I climbed the Eiffel Tower; journaled in a Parisian café; stood inside the Arch D’Triumph; toured the Louvre; watched the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace; stared in wonder inside Westminster Abbey; and observed all of London from the London Eye “Ferris wheel.”
My wife finished graduate school and began full-time work as a high school counselor. My children thrived in school. On the last day of 2011, we’re healthy and we have a safe home.
I’m a little embarrassed that I complained at all when times were tough. I had an attitude of “saditude” (yes, I just made that up!) rather than an attitude of gratitude.
This new year, 2012, I pray to be able to see the blessings when ashes seem to abound. I hope I will build stronger relationships, and be a servant-leader to as many people as possible. I want to embrace even more simplicity, staying focused on the best and letting other things go.
To the reader, I pray 2012 is a renaissance, break-out, bucket list scratching-off year for you. Thanks for being on the journey with me!