You may use this image in your ezine or website if you choose to publish my article. Click here to see the picture full-sized.--- Mark Susnow

As the year comes to an end I think of all of the blessings in my 
life and all that I am grateful for. It's been a good year and 
I have a lot to be thankful for. I am not concerned with what 
didn't work or what I could have done better. There is always 
going to be something. For many the holidays are a stressful 
time. It's also a time for giving and receiving.

In our family when we are feeling creative we sometimes make 
gifts for each other. I do have to admit that the sometimes are 
fewer. My family now gets excited about shopping and finding 
presents for each other and usually these gifts are clothes. For 
me once I find something that I like I wear it forever. But the 
rest of the family likes to keep up with the latest trends. It's 
like a sport to them but for me it's almost a chore as I very 
rarely find anything that fits well.

A few weeks ago my wife, Annie, received a 30% discount coupon 
for the GAP that had to be used within a few days. As we were 
driving to the store all I could think about was how many clothes 
I would have to try on before finding something that looked half 
way decent. As I was trying on clothes I felt the frustration 
building. I just wanted to be done with it.

After paying for my purchase I was ready to go home but Annie had 
other plans. She was going upstairs to the women's section and 
promised me that she would only be a few minutes. While waiting I 
became engaged in a conversation with Marianne, a familiar soul, 
who was also waiting.

Perhaps my inexperience as a shopper was apparent. I wasn't 
prepared for her first question. She asked me how I did and I 
replied "I guess all right." It was the next bit of dialogue that 
was totally surprising. She agreed with me when I told her that 
men thought shopping for women was like a sport. She then said 
that "in the morning women huddle with each other and share ideas 
and set their intention. To have a successful and fulfilling day 
you need to be task oriented, focused and motivated."

I thought about what Marianne said and realized that those 
principles could apply to just about anything in our lives. What 
if we expanded upon her message and made that a focus this new 
year for finding more meaning and fulfillment in our lives.

When I think of focus I think of my daughter Savanna when she 
dances. Her grace and her elegance are immersed with her total at 
oneness. There is nothing else but the dance and yet at the same 
time there is everything. The rest of the world can wait.

For some period of time we can be totally focused on the task at 
hand. But at some point a new thought enters our mind and we 
begin to lose our focus. This gets in the way of our being in the 
now and of our enjoying the moment. We lose our ability to go 
deeper and that's where the real magic occurs.

What did Marianne really mean by motivation? I like to think of 
motivation in the same way I think of inspiration. When I feel 
I have purpose and meaning in my life and I'm living my life 
consistent with my highest values and priorities I feel inspired. 
When I'm inspired I'm excited about getting up in the morning and 
starting my day.

Perhaps Marianne's concept of the huddle is the key to it all. 
Doing it alone doesn't work anymore. As she said in the morning 
the women get together and share ideas and talk story. As we 
huddle and share with each other what matters, we realize that at 
our core we have the same longings and desires. We have the same 
need to be loved and respected. The huddle represents our coming 
together and working toward a world that works for everyone. It 
is our recognition that we are all in it together.

As the new year begins the days become longer. With each new day 
there will be more light in our life. When our kids were younger 
our family had a ritual bringing in the new year. We went around 
in a circle and expressed gratitude for all of the blessings in 
our lives. And then we shared what our deepest desires were for 
the new year. For me it is peace in the world and this peace 
begins within each of us. Become an emissary of peace by sharing 
your deepest longing for peace in your life and in the world with 
those in your circle. The internet has become a great resource 
for connecting with others around the world. Last month people 
from 85 countries visited Inspire Possibility. Thank you for 
expanding the circle.

Journey On

Mark
mark@inspirepossibility.com
(415) 453-5016  

Mark Susnow has a unique background. Formerly a successful trial 
attorney for 30 years, as well as musician, he integrates what it 
takes to be truly prosperous in the world with the inner wisdom 
unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation practice. 
As a personal coach, leadership consultant and inspirational 
speaker, Mark provides inspiration and motivation to many 
business leaders and professionals. He knows what it means to 
have a big vision and has demonstrated the courage and energy 
it takes to accomplish it. Consider contacting Mark and be 
sure to visit his website: http://www.inspirepossibility.com