This is my last article of the 2015 calendar year! Wow time really went by fast. Yet when I think back on the events of this year there was so much going on that it really was quite slow. So which one was it? That is the funny thing about experiences. If you leave it to your memory vs reality it becomes an entirely different experience.

I was lucky to find many times this year to step off the crazy wheel of life and step back to be in the moment; to have an experience right there, even if that wasn’t a fun experience to have. As many of you know I had a couple of major job changes this year. I listened to some amazing mentors and friends along the way. I took my time for once, explored and stopped worrying. Trust is quite hard but I had to trust and let go. Easier said than done.

I’m so happy that I did this and didn’t try to just quickly move on, panic or find something fast or push past the experience. Often we do this because we don’t want to feel it. Even if that place was awful somehow we just want to return to finding something just like it. Comfort keeps us sometimes in the wrong places because we feel it will be safe or we don’t want to disappoint others.

Recently I read that a study was done and if someone simply deals with a painful situation often they cried for under two minutes. Think about that. So often we hold it together because we are afraid of just letting go and that entire experience is under 2 minutes! I dealt with this myself often this year. I would see it, then just stop, cry and it really wasn’t that long. The world didn’t fall apart. I figure I can deal with it now or hold onto it forever. Choice is mine.

As to 2015 it has had its ups and downs for many for sure. I suggest that we each take this holiday and stop planning for 2016 for a moment and be with friends, family and maybe even contact someone you haven’t heard from in a while. Tell them that you love them. Be there fully for them by listening to them and by sharing an amazing experience of appreciation, kindness and support.

To all those that read my articles, I want to thank you for your kind words and support; I do read and appreciate the comments. Have a wonderful and happy new year holiday – I’ll continue with my monthly articles next year.

To those I know well: I hold each of you close to my heart – you know who you are. Especially to those who are going through a tough change yourself. Those of you that I’ve been able to reach out too, hug and even listen too, I admire you for having the strength and courage to face life with all its ups and downs and find peace.

Jai!,

Paige Lichens