There is a lot of talk on the internet right now about how 2016 has been the “worst year” to date. I’m not really buying it though. Again, saying that is nothing more than a perspective. And we know that perspectives are not fact based, but really more of an opinion colored by our personal biases. 2016 was really just like any other year. A mix of good and bad.
Yes, there was an election . Yes, many famous people died. And YES, the news has done a fantastic job at sensationalizing all the bad that happened in 2016.
What made it “bad” was our expectations.
“What screws us up the most in life is the picture in our head of how it’s supposed to be”- anon
And oh I get it, life isn’t always fair. BELIEVE me, I know. As an optimist, this was the most soul-crushing news that life has ever served me. And sometimes (most of the time) we aren’t going to get a consolation prize or a cookie for the hard stuff . (True confession: I feel like I deserve a cookie pretty much all the time.) BUT, it’s up to us to find the GLITTER in life’s inevitable shiz.
So what are we supposed to do with all this?
What you can do is have high expectations of yourself. Expect success of yourself. Expect that you will rise to any occasion that life throws at you . Expect that you are in control of what you get out of this life and how you react to what life gives you. Act in such a way that your future self will be proud. Know in your bones that fear and doubt are self-manufactured and SELF-REMOVED.
3 quick questions I want you think of as this year comes to a close:
What did you tolerate this year??
We are all tolerating something at all times. Jobs, people, our health, a lack of something in our lives. Though we may feel like we have no say in the issue, the truth is there is ALWAYS room get your power back and edit your life in some way. So what do you need to edit RIGHT NOW?
What did you force this year?
Look, life is hard enough on its own. Let’s stop forcing stuff and making it harder. There is a difference between going after something and forcing something. You are smart and capable enough to not get the 2 confused.
What is the BRAVEST thing you did this year?
Bravery comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s not all about quitting jobs and jumping out of planes. It’s ok if all you did was survive this year because it was exceptionally trying. Where did you show bravery and courage?
2017 is yours for the taking. Let it be the year of FIERCE COURAGE. Remember, you are only going to get out of life what you have the courage to ask for.
In 2 days I’m opening registration for Girl on Fire. I’m looking for 10 women who are dedicated to making 2017 the year they stop tolerating and start having the fierce confidence and courage it takes to live a life of purpose. 10 women who are sick of letting self-doubt and lack of confidence hold them back. The type of woman who wants to live a life of IMPACT and LEGACY but she knows she needs a little help….. ( click here to get on my calendar to chat about it https://calendly.com/jessicahetherington/30min)
Happy New Year Passionistas! Wear something sparkly, drink something sparkly , kiss somebody cute and I’ll see you in 2017!!!!
Boldly and Bravely yours,
Jessica
I am silver lining finder. Throw me in any situation and I’ll not only find something good but I’ll also find the opportunity. That’s exactly what brought me to my coaching career. 
