We tout our book as “a book for a lifetime” – what’s that really all about? From a personal standpoint and as many of you know, this book began many years ago as Conscious Creative Retirement. And then through much unanticipated loss, change and personal upheaval, it got set aside and removed from Amazon due to our lack of energy and focus as healing took place. And then as energy and focus eventually returned, our book was re-imagined, recreated, and rewritten to include so much more valuable information, and became Conscious Creative Living.
We learned over the past several years how universal the stress of dealing with unexpected change is, regardless of age or profession. And none of us can learn it all at once, do it all at once, despite our good intentions or society’s demands. Each of our 8 Keys highlights an area of everyday life that requires some creativity to navigate successfully. Different Keys are important at different times. You might want to read through our book, and then go back to the chapter that is resonating with you most strongly and start right there.
Here’s an example – Communication. I was quite shy and observant when young. But I once heard someone refer to me as a snob and it hurt my feelings. I was an odd duck, no doubt about that – I had been a cheerleader in high school who go straight A’s and never dated a football player! But I had never thought of myself as a snob and realized I had some work to do on developing social skills. It was worth the work, as I now have good communication skills that have enhanced my life, privately and professionally.
Balance is another issue that comes and goes in my life – sometimes things go smoothy and sometimes I am juggling hot potatoes. Taking the time to reflect, prioritize and set boundaries is a life-long process for me.
This ties into Commitment – very easy for me to be committed to my family, almost automatic – but it now appears, as I grow older, that my commitment needs to be much more about myself and the quality of life I create as I age.
If you’re searching for clarity in your own personal growth, each chapter of the book encourages you to think, feel and do.
If you are using this book professionally, it’s invaluable! Coming out of COVID and regrouping, where does your staff need some fine-tuning? A little help with communication skills after months of isolation and working from home? Commitment – perhaps its time to redefine a common purpose and goal to move forward more effectively? We are here for consultations, classes and workshops.
The importance of each Key will come and go as your life goes on – enjoy that and follow your curiosity! We are meant to keep learning and growing throughout our lives.
Ask yourself –
Which Key am I most comfortable and adept at using?
Which Key is opening a door into an area I am unfamiliar or uncomfortable with?
What is the next door to open? Would I like some help along the way?
Enjoy discovering a new aspect of yourself this week!
Patty & Suzanne