What has been the most interesting moment of 2016 for you? What did you learn?
Let’s ponder the potential depth of moments; some have been exciting, inspiring moments, some have been challenging, confronting, heartbreaking and humbling. They all contain opportunities to learn. There’s also the opportunity to find things to be grateful for. So this time of year seems extra special for reflecting. It helps us finish the year well, meaning we step into the next year empowered.
Ask yourself questions (with pen and paper) to reflect on your year. Here’s a few to get you started …
What was uncomfortable, yet worthwhile?- What was surprising?
- Who did you connect with?
- What were the heart-warming, precious moments?
- What were your BRAVE moments?
- What goals did you achieve? And which ones did you not?
- What challenged your assumptions and beliefs?
Big questions, I know! Worth taking the time for. If you’d like to work through any of these with me, please contact me – make sure you’re stepping into 2017 with clarity, confidence and purpose.
Some of my uncomfortable moments included being misunderstood and judged harshly. I am so grateful for that, because it strengthened me – It deepened my conviction to keep standing for kindness, connection and authenticity. I could sift through negative comments, look for insights and let go of hurt. The more I travel, the more understanding I am of other cultures and how we all see things differently. My message of connecting with confidence to make a difference matters even more.
When was I surprised? When 12 and 15 year olds took the stage in Bali to share their incredible business story – a business that’s literally changing thousands of lives. See video below. (Since then we’ve written a book together!)
Actually another huge surprise was when I stepped off the stage in front of almost 1000 cheering Filipinos into a flood of gifts – literally, I couldn’t hold them all – there were gift bags hanging off my every finger and boxes piliing up on top and friends helping to manage. I’ve never seen such amazing gratitude and generosity. These difference-makers (who inspired me with their stories) made sure I’d never forget the Philippines – and that “it’s more fun in the Philippines”. :)
Another surprise was a goal I achieved over and over… I wrote in my journal in January this year that I wanted to go to
“5 Different Countries” (sharing the key message from Do Talk to Strangers, which is Connect With Confidence
1. Singapore, 2. The Philippines, 3. ? 4. ? 5. ?
I didn’t know what the other countries would be; I was open to traveling and meeting people, sharing and learning, so after all those question marks, I wrote “God surprise me”. This is what unfolded because of my connecting…
In April – Singapore and Brunei
In May – Singapore – Cebu – Manila – Singapore – Malaysia (KL)
On 1 July, I was flying into my 5th country since April… Indonesia, to speak at, and participate in, the most inspiring conference I’ve ever been a part of. (One result was the book we wrote and launched just recently, and another was the incredible teenagers mentioned above – and featured in the video below)
Between the end of July and 1 Dec, I returned to Malaysia, (KL & Melaca) and Indonesia, The Philippines and another 3 visits to Singapore! My Mum came with me to Singapore in August to see what I’ve been up to. :)
I’ve also worked with a team of difference-makers not far from home, and entrepreneurs in Sydney, Newcastle and Central Coast. So many flights, long days, short nights, speaking engagements, inspiring conversations, life-changing insights…
Some of the most precious moments of this year have been discovered in conversations with young people – late night chats with my son on the lounge at home, and in many ‘random’ places.
These moments are a very incomplete overview of my 2016 – you’ll see when you get started on your review that a lot happens in a year. What will you remember from 2016 – and what learning will you take forward, what ineffectiveness or hurt will you leave behind?
Let’s have a wonderful completion of 2016. It’s been tough for so many of us, but there’s gold tucked away that we can bring with us into 2017. It’s a powerful thing to finish well.
And along with many of my readers, we celebrate Christmas! I pray that you have a restful, playful, loving, giving and purposeful time with family and friends.
Cheering you on,
Kerrie
PS. I leave you with this inspiring fun conversation from Facebook Live – filmed in Bali in July with the gorgeous Nalu sister-brother team – enjoy!
NO ONE IS TOO YOUNG TO CHANGE THE WORLD. It does not matter how old you are – if you think you can make a huge difference in the world, then you can! Open up your heart, reach out to those who need help, give hope and be an inspiration to others. Each of us has the opportunity to make someone else’s life better.
