Reverb 11 - Choice

What can you choose in 2012 to make your life better?

I can choose not to get hung up on what wasn't, or what may not be.  Focus on my assets, and not my flaws.  Concentrate on now, and not then.  Feel the fullness in my heart, and not the void.

What I wish for 2012 is to partake in every possible way in this thing called life.  I really like my independence and downtime, but sometimes chilling on the couch isn't the best way to live, to connect, to feel alive.  I want to take risks, and experience all the possibilities in this ever changing world.  I want to savor all that comes my way, cherish the moments, and live in gratitude.   Good bye old year, hello new one.

Reverb 11 - Freedom

What new thought, idea or action have you taken this year that gave you a true sense of freedom?

I know I'm not in control of anything, but I do have the power of choice.  Every day I get to choose how I want to spend my time, who I want to spend it with, what I want to explore, how I want to express myself, who I want to be.  I get to choose . . . every moment, every day.  I choose my frame of mind, even when dealing with conflict, struggle, or disappointment.  There's immense freedom in this knowledge, and more importantly this practice.

Reverb 11 - Gift

Name one gift that 2011 gave you; what treasure came your way gift wrapped in experience, that (maybe in hindsight) you want to hold onto and place on display?

I've received countless gifts in 2011, a serious abundance, received daily.  But there is one gift that stands out, significant in so many profound ways, and that's the gift of my business partner Sticks.  We named our company One-Two Punch, and people often ask which one of us is One and which one is Two.  Without discussion, we had the same response.  It's interchangeable, it's all about our combined efforts and not who comes first.  We stand side by side, literally and figuratively.

I've been craving this situation for most of career, and didn't even know it.  To work with a trusted friend whom I respect and love, and who inspires me is priceless.  Many of our conversations prior to launching the company were about quality of life, and infusing our company with the traits that are most important to us; communication, trust, integrity.  Interestingly, when I look back, I realize how long ago the seeds were planted for this manifestation.  I vividly remember the first time we met for lunch in 2005, sushi in the valley.  We talked about all the things that still connect us -- family, striving for balance, the desire to travel, and books that inspire us.  In fact, I immediately purchased one of Sticks' recommendations for an upcoming trip to Costa Rica.  The Universe is mysterious, it listens and provides in the most powerful ways.

Reverb 11 - Gathering

Gathering:  What was your favorite party or gathering (large or small) in 2011?  Who would you like to gather with in 2012?

A simple backyard summer BBQ at JB's comes to mind.  Intimate, casual, good friends, thought provoking conversations, bursts of laughing fits.  I spent some time over the hot grill watching skewers of shrimp become translucent.  A juicy tenderloin sizzled and summer vegetables charred.  Sweet summer corn boiled in a pot on the stove.  I baked an apple pie, someone brought gooey, fudgy brownies that were worthy of moans.  As the night progressed the hula hoop found its way on various hips.  I went home slightly tired, and happy.

I like to entertain, and hope to have more dinner parties in 2012 bringing together eclectic groups of friends, inspiring conversation and connection.

REVERB 11

Reverb is an every-day-in-December blogging practice. Each day features a prompt that either helps you integrate the past year or envision what you want to create in the next one (sometimes both).

Today's prompt:  One Word. If you had to choose one word to encapsulate the past year, what would it be, and why? If you were to choose a word to represent 2012, what would it be?

In 2011 I LEAPT.  I formed a partnership, launched a production company and leapt across the void that had been my career.  I jumped into this experience with both feet and a clear head.  I enthusiastically seized this opportunity, and remain grateful, every day, for the balance it's given my life, and the joy that swells in my heart.  I truly don't know where it will lead, but I remain present, optimistic, and connected to the creative process in the face of the unknown.  


In 2012 I hope for connection.  My life is an anomaly, and as a result I can feel disconnected, and isolated, even though I need and crave alone time.  It can be a conundrum, but I know when I encounter intense connection, my solitary experiences are even sweeter.