Word of the Year: Effortless

Note: December is Word-of-the-Year Month at Christine’s Blog.  As we roll into another New Year, each day will feature a new guest blogger who chose one word as a way of setting intention for her whole year.  Today’s guest is Elaine Bailey. More about Elaine below.

My word for 2008 was Effortless.

I just liked the sound and feel of the word.

“Effortless.”

As 2008 began, I was ending an unhealthy relationship, selling my house, and trying to balance an insane work schedule.  Naturally, I wanted things to be easier in my life!

Of course, the Universe provided me with a whole year of opportunities for learning and growth around Effortlessness. (Mostly about how I block it from playing a part in my life!)

Pretty quickly, I realized that I tried too hard to achieve the things I wanted.  My anxiety, fear and worry actually fed my desperation – and of course, obstacles would show up, because of the extra ‘effort’ and negative energy I was generating.

For instance, I clearly remember becoming locked into the ‘victim’ role when preparing to discuss the splitting of the house proceeds with my ex-partner. I knew the conversation was going to be challenging.  And I lay awake at night – committee in my head – justifying everything, becoming extremely anxious, victimized and pressured about all the “what if’s.”  I was gripped by the mere thought of having this discussion.

At the time, I was in Christine’s on-line seminar, and she reminded me to get clear and return to my deep, quiet space, where I could INTEND in advance how I wanted to ’show up’ at the meeting.  She said that I could choose both how to prepare for this meeting and how I would show up on the day.

So, I released the worry, and I spent lots of time choosing Effortlessness.  Amazingly, both the planning and the actual discussion was, in fact, effortless!

That was only the beginning of learning how I had created my own exhaustion with the “efforting” in my head!

Here’s what else I learned from my year with ‘Effortless’:

•    Stop trying so hard. I learned to let go, relax and allow things to happen naturally. Allowing ‘effortlessness’ in to my world.

•    Listen to my inner voice. I’ve found a deeper voice within me. It is wise, clear and calm. ‘Effortless’ taught me to look internally, to go deeper within and I began to recognize and understand my cycle of behavior during these times of pressure and desperation. I also learned to be okay with feeling uncomfortable.

•    Remember my own choice. I actually get to choose how I respond to a situation. I recognized some default patterns of negative behavior linked to my own drama.  I chose to step away from the drama, and to make choices from a different place. (Not from the place of victim, perpetrator or rescuer).

•    Create a mindset shift. I could consciously allow ‘effortless’ into my life. Increasing my self awareness of these patterns, and recognize them for what they were: inhibiting thoughts that no longer served me. I was then able to change my thinking and approach to what I really wanted.

I’m now able to make decisions from a deeper, calmer place and I’ve learned to be truly good to myself. This is ‘effortlessness’ in action!

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Elaine Bailey

I live in the UK — though you wouldn’t know it when you look at how many countries I’ve worked in during 2008!

I’m an International Learning and Development Consultant, which means I train, coach and mentor business people around the world.

I’m on a spiritual journey as I continue to tap into my authentic self.  I have attended Christine’s retreats and e-Seminars since 2007, which have helped me make profound, positive changes on how I ‘show up’ in my life, and also to raise my conscious awareness and become more successful over the last 18 months.

I also have 5 cats who all know how to use Skype so we can keep in touch whilst I’m away from home!

Tagged as: Miscellaneous

Add to del.icio.us Stumble It! Subscribe to this feed Digg it