I could come up with many reasons why this month’s newsletter is not happening. On my birthday, a bird crapped on my head in the middle of New York City, and I thought ‘that will be a great topic.’ I could write about being in wrong place at the wrong time or how some people think it’s lucky. Somehow, it didn’t pull together.
Then I thought I could write about circumstances and attitudes and that went nowhere. The real truth is that I have a project that is on deadline – and no, I didn’t procrastinate. Unfortunately, I have a family situation that has taken priority and a great deal of my time. I guess I could write about setting priorities but that seems rather mundane.
I must have at least 30 unfinished, partially written issues to date. This is the 88th newsletter which means that I have written a monthly 700 word Life’s Little Lessons for over 8 years rarely missing a beat. Yet, that doesn’t seem to assuage the guilt!
So, rather than make excuses, I’m giving myself permission to not write on a topic this month. I went back to an old issue (May, 2008 Permission) and with a few changes, I excerpted a section and am including that below.
For those that are new to Life’s Little Lessons, and those who have been loyal all along, and everyone in-between, this might be a good time to read the Life’s Little Lessons E-book filled with 87 lessons and see which one really resonates with you.
Here is the excerpt from the 51st issue from May, 2008 with changes to make it current with today – and still reflect the truth.
This month, not being different from many others, I started a Life’s Little Lesson and lost my passion for the subject matter. Consequently, I looked at the calendar and realized that I only have two more days to produce a newsletter. Then I also recognized that I have a family situation that requires my attention and one major project on deadline.
So, for the second time ever, I am giving myself permission to not write 700 words on a topic. In fact, I’m not going to go into examples and details beyond this point.
Am I concerned about this decision? Yes. I STILL agonize about disappointing readers expecting to read another Life’s Little Lesson. I get concerned about letting people down and not fulfilling an obligation.
Then I stop all the THINKING and check in with myself. This is one of the most freeing things that I can do at this moment in time.
--It allows me to put my energy where it needs to be.
--I can let go of the guilt and the PERCEIVED disappointment.
Truth be told, maybe you aren’t disappointed. Conceivably you are pleased or nonplussed. Perhaps I’m being a role model for giving oneself permission? In any event, I’m doing this because it feels like taking care of myself – not in a selfish way, but in a healthy way.
INVITATION TO EXPERIMENT (couldn’t skip this one)
Think of a time when you wanted to do something differently but would not give yourself permission to do so? Did you have regrets? If you had to do it over, would you make the same choice?
Perhaps there will be an opportunity for you to give yourself permission to do something out of the ordinary just because it feels good, or you will choose to do so because it makes good sense for that moment in time.
If you feel inclined, please let me know if you decide to go ahead and try this experiment. I look forward to hearing about your experiences. Your feedback and comments have been most welcomed:-) Keep them coming!!
Very best regards,
marion@lifecoachinggroup.com
(c) 2004-11. All rights reserved. Marion Franklin, www.lifecoachinggroup.com
Comments? Feedback? lllfeedback@lifecoachinggroup.com
P.S. If you enjoyed this issue, I'd love it if you'd spread the word. Do so by forwarding this to a friend and inviting them to subscribe at the Life's Little Lessons link. Thank you for continuing to read Life's Little Lessons TO READ PAST ISSUES Past Issues (Highly recommended)
Any relationship conflicts you want to discuss: family? friend? co-worker? boss? employee? Take advantage of a 30-minute complimentary phone "RELATIONSHIP MAKEOVER" discussion around any area of your life where you are feeling challenged.
*NOTEWORTHY* --N E W: YouTube Interview with Life Coach Marion where she talks about her Laser Coaching program, Mentor Practicum groups, her mission as a coach and trainer, and her timeless Life's Little Lessons newsletters. Her expertise is getting to the root of the problem efficiently (laser), skillful direct communication, and creating permanent change in perspective.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyQ_kM5OJpA
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