The Journey Begins
January! 2021! We made it!
A collective sigh, and a collective pat on the back. We ALL made it through the trials and tribulations that were 2020. And, as so many people have pointed out: despite all its chaos, confusion, and conflict, there were some blessings in 2020. Not the least of which is that we’ve made it through.
A sigh, a pat on the back, and a collective inhale: because we all know that our journey continues. And while we’re certainly not clear what lies ahead, we can use this time to outline a new and creative path.
January is a great time for new beginnings. Our first Mastermind series of 2021 just launched. We’re incredibly excited to work with a small cohort of talented and ambitious women. Each is exploring goals, challenges, ambitions, and dreams in the frame of the hero’s journey. Recognizing the allies that come along, or the metaphorical dragons that interrupt the journey, seeing how a hero rises to the challenge and ultimately triumphs is so empowering to witness! A hero comes through the journey forever changed, and ready to share that transformation with others.
Ready for your own transformation in ’21?
The appeal of the hero’s journey is its universality. Each of us is on our own journey, whether we’re consciously navigating the route, or merely following the well-worn path in front of us. That’s part of the beauty of the hero’s journey: while it’s uniquely ours, it’s also something that is available to all. Think about where the hero’s journey has shown up in popular culture: from Harry Potter to Katniss Everdeen to T’Chella (aka the Black Panther) to Beth Harmon…each is on a noble quest. (And, yes, we might have indulged in a bit of Netflix-binging over the holidays…)
Now, think about your own life. What’s your journey? What are you being called to do? If you expand your vision – take a step back and really look at how you’re spending your time and energy, is it aligned with where you want to be headed? Are you on the right path? And, if not – what steps can you take today to redirect to a path that’s more aligned with the true, authentic you?
New year. New start. And if you need some ideas on how to trigger your own creative thinking, try one or all of these suggestions:
1) Get outside. Go for a walk, sit in the sun, marvel at the snow. A change of environment can change your thinking.
2) Get some exercise. Exercise increases your oxygen level and your blood flow. And more oxygen to your creative brain is a good thing. According to the Dent Neurologic Institute:
This leads to neurogenesis—or the production of neurons—in certain parts of your brain that control memory and thinking…It has been noted that exercise promotes the production of neurotrophins, leading to greater brain plasticity, and therefore, better memory and learning. In addition to neurotrophins, exercise also results in an increase in neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically serotonin and norepinephrine, which boost information processing and mood.
3) Play music. Specifically: listen to happy music. Numerous studies outline the positive impact of music on learning, cognition, and even increased memory capacity. Newer data from UC Berkeley tells us that people who listen to “happy” music are able to come up with more innovative ideas and more divergent thinking. So when you’re in need of some fresh thinking, find your favorite music streaming app and tune in!
4) Channel your inner child. What were the activities you enjoyed as a child that just made time stand still? Did you spend hours coloring or doodling? Reading? Wandering aimlessly while taking the time to stop and examine every leaf or crack in the sidewalk? Don’t look at this activity in your adult-accomplishment-driven way: just enjoy. Allow for unstructured time – even if it’s only 30 minutes. As a colleague of ours often says, “great things happen in the white space.”
5) Finally, drink a glass of water. Or two or three. Or more. Our bodies are up to 60% water, and by the time our thirst kicks in, we’re likely past the point of adequate saturation. Water drenches your body and your organs so they can function effectively. My 84-year-old Dad’s nurse referred to water as “the best and universal medicine”. Want to boost creativity, operate at peak effectiveness, and saturate your brain? Drink more water.
However you choose to trigger your creativity, use the advent of the new calendar year to map out YOUR journey.
Our best to you in this new year!