If your list of New Year resolutions are already a bit wobbly please don’t set yourself up for failure. My advice, don’t make resolutions pick a word.
I begin the New Year by carefully choosing a word and “living into it” every day. I start and end each day noting that my word has been expressed or realized. My word for 2017 was expansive. I ask myself: What can I do that I will expand my personal and professional boundaries? Last year was filled with a sweeping array of unexpected experiences, professional breakthroughs and (of course) adventures. Here are a few highlights.
- MOS♀NYC Behind-the-scenes tours of the MET, the Natural History Museum, the Whitney, the Studio Museum of Harlem, then all sorts of extraordinary gastronomic treats. My fellow Museum of Science board members and overseers stayed at the legendary Carlyle Hotel; I stood on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera before the performance of Carmen!
- Mayor Walsh appointed me a Trustee of the Boston Public Library, one of our most treasured institutions. In my quest to learn as much as possible about the BPL the staff is ushering me through its historical footpath.
- I joined the alumni chapter of the New England Patriot Cheerleaders, then performed with my “225 cheer sisters” during the August 31 reunion in Foxboro where we performed at the pre-game show for Patriots v. Giants.
- Visited the Nixon Library with my White House Fellows Alumni colleagues. Broadened my perspective immensely about this brilliant thinker and flawed human being.
- Chair of the “Women Who Make A Difference” committee for the International Women’s Forum We selected sculptor Carole Feuerman; Ilya Marotta, EVP & President of Engineering for the Panama Canal; and Lia Grimanis, founder “Up With Women.” All inspiring. I was then asked to announce the awardees and facilitate a panel discussion at the IWF Houston Conference 1000 international women in attendance.
- Passed my scuba refresher course with flying colors at dive resort in Taveuni, Fiji so that I could explore Rainbow Reef—one of the most amazing dive sites in the world. The corals were magnificent especially the “cabbage patch”
- I stepped out of my box and took on a fundraising role at the request of the Museum of African American History Board Chair Cathy Stone and Executive Director Marita Rivero. Why? I believe that activism is called for now more than ever. So, with my co-chair Colette Phillips we lead the successful fundraising efforts for the 50th Anniversary of Gala where we honored “Living Legends” Dr. Tony Coles and Dr. Sara Lawrence Lightfoot. A great time was had by all.
I have to pinch myself when I look back at the year. Picking a word really works! I have been expanded by these transformative experiences of which I‘ve shared only a few. Now it is your turn, begin each day with your word—for example, if your word is gratitude consider the following:
- How will I express my gratitude and appreciation in meetings, social situations, and the
other places I find myself? - Am I aware of the quality of my life? Am I grateful?
- Am I responding with grace and gratitude in difficult situations?
- What are the ways that I am demonstrating my gratitude to clients, colleagues, and friends and my family?
My word for 2018 is ease! I wonder where it will take me, and who I will be by year-end. What word will you choose?
I look forward to hearing from you.