Kicking off 2009 with Pictures

There is something exhilarating about a new year.  It's that same kind of feeling I get when looking at a blank journal or when packing the car for a weekend adventure.  Life is an adventure, right?  And while technically one day is just the same as another, there is definitely something fresh and full of possibility about starting a new year.

One of the things I'm currently exploring is the connection between art and change.  There is a great new book out by the authors of the Skilled Facilitator called "Facilitative Coaching" with is worth the fifty dollar cover price.  It expands upon some ideas I've been dabbling with on my own, using visual art (drawings, doodles) and metaphors to spark growth and development.

I pulled out a fresh piece of paper (full of possibility, like the new year) and doodled my start to 2009.  My 2009 looked like a walking path, with a wide comfortable expanse of road meandering up and down gently sloping hills.    A small female figure was already at the top of the first crest, and there was a celebratory sign waiting at the end of the path.  It was titled "A Good Start"

If you are so inclined this week, pull out a sheet of paper and doodle yourself a start to 2009.  Then, if you don't like what you see, change the picture to something more empowering.   If you're caught in a puddle of quicksand in your picture, draw yourself a rope to pull out of the quagmire.

Doodle or no Doodle, the images we hold of the new year to come will influence what our path will be like.  At least I think so.

What do you think?

Comments

[Pamela Villars]

EM,

I love this idea.

I tell people that I am creative everyday in my professional work; problem-solving, innovating, navigating personnel issues within business takes as much creativity as in the arts. It's just a different kind. The idea of merging the two is long overdue.

[Joel C. Milne]

I think that's a great idea. I saw an advertisement from Bob Proctor for a Vision Board the other day, seemed to be based on the same concept.

I always attach images to my goals as motivation.