Unwrap: A Question
The newsletter I just got from Suzanne Bird-Harris (amazing website developer) included a gift in the form of a great question that I want to pay forward:
“What are you not taking with you from 2017 into 2018?”
I love this question. Instead of torturing ourselves with one more unfulfilled New Year’s resolution or adding to our already crammed to-do lists, this is about relinquishing something—letting go of what’s been holding us back.
For me, the thing I’m not taking with me is the habit of “thinking small.” Ha—it feels liberating just writing that! And I’m realizing that the being ready to stop thinking small has been a long-time coming.
What about you? What will you not take with you into next year?
Whatever you’re choosing, it helps to name it and then, in your imagination, wrap it up, tie it with a bow, and—metaphorically speaking—run it over several times with a large vehicle. Leave it by the roadside if you like, with or without a little farewell ceremony.
After that, breathe. You might just feel lighter: a great feeling to be operating with in the new year.
Thank you, Suzanne!
But wait—there’s more . . .
Unwrap: A story-telling “game”
I also received a wonderful gift from Liz Stevenson, a New Zealander who uses storytelling to unlock learning and change. We met online through Seth Godin’s Marketing Seminar, and Liz created a marvelous storytelling booklet to help people know their own stories and to know themselves better. And when you do this in small groups, it’s a great way to really see and appreciate others.
Give this a go this holiday week. Try turning off the screens and gathering 3-6 folks for a little storytelling. Here’s a simplified version of Liz’s terrific Story Hui (‘Hui’ is a New Zealander word for gathering):
“Share a story about something that was challenging or difficult—no matter how big or small . . . and how you worked your way through to overcome this.” Liz recommends you “Talk about the first thing that comes into your head—stream of consciousness style. Keep talking for about three to five minutes.”
Tell the story using the hero’s journey process focused into three scenes: where you started (scene one), the action you took (scene two), and the results (scene three).
While one person in the group tells her or his story, another person draws it. You don’t need to be Michelangelo. Keep it primitive—think of this as drawing with a stick in the sand. You can use stick figures or any kind of representation you like. The idea is to “story board” the story you hear, keeping it to 3 scenes (like 3 cartoon boxes). The before scene, the action, and the results.
After the story teller shares her or his story, group members can ask questions to help understand and reveal the storyteller’s values and capabilities. As the questions are answered, the story drawer can add more to the drawing.
Liz’s recommended questions:
Can you tell me more about . . .
How were you feeling when . . .
Why did you . . .
What happened when you . . .
What helped you to . . .
Did anyone else help you . . .
What strengths or superpowers did you use?
You can go around the circle and everyone can have a chance to be both story teller and story drawer. And in doing so everyone can feel more supported and seen for who they really are. It’s an amazing gift—to help others discover their superpowers.
Thank you, Liz!
Unwrap: The Principles of Fun
I came across Michael Bungay Stanier’s wonderful and thought-freeing short animated film: “The 8 Irresistible Principles of Fun”: and thought you’d love it.
Isn’t that great? Thank you, Michael!
This week: If you celebrate Christmas, Merry Seasonings to you. If you don’t, then I wish you the most peaceful and easy Monday of the year!
Thank you for being on this journey with me,
Dream Big, Plan Smart, Live Well
