Can you believe the end of 2013 is only around the corner? How would you describe your year?

For me it has been a year of feeling INSPIRED!

If you recall, instead of completing a list of New Year’s resolutions, my friends and I brainstormed a word that we wanted to feel all year long. Without a doubt, for me “INSPIRED” has been abundant and prevalent in 2013. A buffet of warm intentions, karmic energy and contagious enthusiasm was present at the table throughout this year’s races, travel, fitness classes, presentations, conversations and new challenges. The result: feeling driven, motivated, and wanting to do more!

The inspiration was magnified & elevated by those who I decided to surround myself with in these activities. Travelling this week with my family in the Hawaiian islands I learned a powerful word: OHANA, defined by the Hawaiians that we are all part of an extended family. My OHANA are genuine individuals that believe in my passions, push me to step outside my boundaries and champion me to succeed. The more this occurs, the more I am energized to do the same in return and hence creating a magical support system. We all need one and I’m forever GRATEFUL for mine: GGT, Goodlife, Lemons, Team D, family & friends! The phenomenal part of my support system is that it’s growing organically & effortlessly.

Two weeks ago I participated in a peer coaching session that focused on two key themes: effective listening and asking powerful questions. During the session, the facilitator presented examples of what makes a good listener. One of the examples that resonated with me was to resist the “ME TOO” syndrome. Brilliant! How many times have I been in a situation where someone is pouring their heart out to me or sharing a special story and I interrupt with: “I know what you mean, that reminds of a time when I …” or “Me too, so at work today I…” Dismissing the person of holding a unique plan/goal/story, bringing down their emotions to common feelings and turning the attention back to you is something we almost all unconsciously do. Resisting the “ME TOO” syndrome is something that I am constantly trying to apply in my life

Feeling inspired comes not just from accomplishing big goals but also simply listening to that support system that surrounds you. By focusing the discussion around others you can discover many gems that you can take away and feel inspired by.