As we draw to end of another year the newspapers capture some of the memories of the past 12 months. Some make us smile, some make us sad, some may even make us mad.
So I was having a think about some of the things that were important moments or events during my year – and what a great year it has been for all manner of reasons. It also reminded me of a picture I took whilst in London earlier in the year, which, to my suprise, was still the same only a few days ago on my last visit. It is a large bottle, with a ship inside, set on a plinth high in Trafalgar Square – a place where there is a changing piece of art placed on public display.
As a child I am sure you were amazed at the skill required to put a ship in a bottle with the masts standing straight. It also reminded me of a phrase about ‘bottling’ something that is cherrished so it can be enjoyed at a later stage – reminicent of the way fruits and the like were preserved before we had refigerators, freezers or the ability to bring to our tables anything we like, even if not in season in our own country.
So, a question – what has happened in the past year that you would love to ‘bottle’ and keep?
Take a few moments to consider what amazing things have really been part of your past tweleve months:
- Perhaps a new friendship, or a friendship that has had new life spark into it as we appreciate those who we sometimes take for granted?
- Or could it be a holiday shared with laughter or a new place visited?
- Even if sad, some memories are worth keeping as the very reason they are sad is usually because there was so much pleasure contained within them – it is only the passing of the opportunity that now changes our perspective.
- What new learning have you undertaken this year, maybe just for the pleasure of learning? And have there been any business successes of which you are proud?
- Are there some new experiences you have enjoyed?
- Also remember the successes of people around you and the pleasure you felt when they succeeded too.
- Dont forget the seemingly small things like a bird in flight, a flower in bloom, a song on the wind.
Well, I am sure there have been some terrific things that have happened – it is so easy to be chasing the next and the next deadline to forget all those things that have been stored in our memorory banks – in fact ‘bottled’ and too often forgotten until we take time to notice.
Celebrate your past year because a new year is about to break with new experiences, new memories, new opportunities…….
My best wishes,
Peter
