What amazed me

By Chris Trout | February 1, 2009

A wonderfully wise 80-year-old colleague of mine sent this in response to my New Year's reflection.

This year, "I am writing about January 1, 2010 and looking back with such questions as, "What amazed me?" "What brought me joy?"

It's not a particularly new concept - this idea of starting with the end in mind - but somehow this twist on it really captured my imagination. Will you try it with me?

Imagine yourself a year from now, writing about what amazed you, what brought you joy, what delighted you and energized you. Write it down. Now, let that image - of a year unfolding in this perfect way - take roots in your imagination, that your subconscious might begin to organize itself around the living of that year. Memorize the feeling of amazement, joy, delight and awe. Store that emotional memory in a place where you can retrieve it. Then do so - every day.

 
Are you already filled with more energy and hope? Is your mind already focused on the possible instead of the barriers to the possible? Do you already feel a deep drive to live this year? This life? Me too. So it must not be the "hard work" that makes it so (though you may work hard). It must not be "good luck" (though it may feel like you've been blessed). It must not be determination (though these clear images may gently drive you more powerfully than ever before). It is the clarity and power of imagination, with its home far beneath our conscious work ethic, good fortune and determination, that makes all the difference.

So, see it now. Finished. Then bring your attention back to the present moment and live each day as if you knew it would unfold perfectly.

This is your life.