Looking back on 2014 ... before looking forward :)

As 2014 is preparing to rush out the door, I thought appropriate to take an inventory of what it brought to me and the learning that came along:
1. An awareness that system coaching for teams is not for me, especially with different teams and sessions just here and there. I strongly belief that change in a relationships system (like a team) does not come with only one session. As in individual coaching, subsequent sessions are more likely to create the safe environment that facilitates long term positive outcomes. Plus, it provides additional time for educating people to concepts and techniques that are very powerful in relationships (things we don’t learn in school, and rarely directly from life). Ideally, I would love to be in charge of a team, to focus on for a longer period of time, like I did when I was president of RBNS (Romanian Business Networking Society) and EFTC (English-French Toastmasters Club)… but getting a financial retribution as well. 🙂 Volunteering is good, but doesn’t pay the bills and the projects I have in mind.
2. A sudden change in my financial situation, from debt & no job to no debt & a job that I enjoy (to a certain point). Looking back, it seems funny how life can make such drastically changes, but I have to admit that I’ve envisioned it (at least the financial part). Now ready to take on new challenges!
3. I still love individual coaching (especially from a system perspective). Focusing on the energy field brings up into our awareness elements we not normally look for when we want to achieve something: our biases and behaviours under stress, that don’t serve us anymore. I’d love to have more clients who want to learn how to identify these in themselves, and take action upon.
3. Although I knew that Universe has a certain way of doing things without us knowing about, I still was pleasantly surprised how things unfolded on my artistic side in 2014. In less than a year since I start painting, I already have an art gallery representing me for painting and photography… without me taking any step in that direction. Regarding my necklaces, a strategy change this year (from more small art shows to less and bigger ones) put them in front of people who appreciated them enough to buy. Yet, developing my artistic side requires extra effort (an enjoyable one!), and buying again a car (part of my 2015 goals).
4. Although some people might not agree (especially my sister), I feel less and less inclined to participate in events from my own community … and more and more inclined to follow my heart. Proof: the ticket to Messiah concert of Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the same evening when a choir sings Romanian Carols at Toronto’s Christmas Market. It comes a time when it feels good to follow your own path, not by rejecting your past… but welcoming your own future, without feeling any guilt.
5. The idea of writing a book is hunting me for quite a while, but now I’m really exciting about it. Hmm, I need to arrange things around, so I give the space it needs to come to light.
6. As an introvert, being with groups of people and in events drains my energy. Although I knew that, I thrown myself into doing three or more workshops per week since March, without taking enough “me” time and walks in nature (at least in weekends). Plus some week-ends in art shows, no wonder why I feel so tired now (physically and mentally). Making a note to take more care of myself from now on. Going to gym is part of it, and has its benefits, but it’s not enough. Hehe … and I start enjoying to go writing or reading at coffee shops. I’ll continue to do that next year (sometimes it even sparks interesting conversations), and tap more into my Introvert Power. Have you read the book with the same name? It’s awesome!
– My reward for the year end: taking time to reconnect with myself (it’s been a pretty tough year), to go deep inside and figure out what to focus on next year.