As we celebrate the joys of 2006 and get together with loved ones this season, we must also process the losses of the year as well. Just as we do balance sheets of profits and losses in our businesses, December is a month for acknowleging our blessings and releasing our failures and disappointments as well. Many of you will be spending the holidays without special loved ones this year for the first time. Some of you had creative dreams that failed to manifest or got delayed. Still others feel stuck or have had to deal with a life crisis, unexpectedly. I, myself, have lost my astrologist of 15 years to retirement, my intuitive advisor of many years died suddenly of cancer in September, and my VA and my web designer are both moving onto new opportunities. I also had a number of new health challenges this year and was not able to move ahead as rapidly as I had hoped to this year with my business.

We must remember that with every loss there is growth, but we need to take the time to decipher the lessons. Although sometimes a loss is simply a painful reminder that we all have limited time on the planet and that relationships have time limits often too and we must let go and embrace the new. I am happy to report that I have just hired a great new business team, and found a spunky new hairdresser as well. New relationships take us on novel adventures and expand our resiliency. Often we resist the process and want to hang onto what is illusively secure. Take the time to thank the people or projects that have left you this year and embrace them. Celebrate and note all the new gains you have created as well, small or large. I have one client who is finally exercising daily for the first time in her life and liking it and is now doing stained glasswork with a group every Sunday evening. These two gains have been life changing for her and she glows with empowerment. Look through your appointment book or your Blackberry and note what you have gained this year in learnings and forward movements. Then take a moment to mourn the unmanifested as well as the relationships that can comfort you no longer.

Light a candle for your future and burn up a notecard on which you have written anything that you will not be carrying forward. Allow yourself to heal and begin 2007 with optimism and a clean pathway.

Best wishes for a creative and stimulating 2007!

Business and Success Strategies
Beginning on January 16 th at 1 PM, I will be teaching my 4th series of teleclasses on Business and Success Strategies for Creativity Coaches for the Creativity Coaching Association. The students have been remarkable and create a supportive learning environment. I customize each class to both individuals and the collective needs of the group. There are 8 CEU's available for this course too for nurses, social workers, etc. For more information, click here

Spiritually Speaking
A wonderful creative woman, Laura Fournier, announces the release of her CD and book called Speaking of Peace. After a year of tragic losses, including her writing work, her mother, and her special dog, she went on a retreat at Plum Village in France, which is the Monastic home of Zen Buddhist Master, Thich Nhat Hahn. Laura came home and her writing flowed with new authenticity and awareness into this special set. This book and CD have the potential to transform the way in which you experience peace in your daily life. Laura teaches you some potent and tangible ideas to reduce stress and enjoy each moment to the fullest. As Laura says, "With true spiritual presence in our hearts and minds, all things are possible." You can order this set here.

A Cup Full of Hope
Brenda Knight from Conari Press, sent me this gorgeous and inspiring new book called Half Full: Meditations on Hope, Optimism, and the Things that Matter which I just adore. It's written by Mina Parker with photographs by Daniel Talbott and is loaded with quotes and lovely images. My favorite quote is by Helen Keller: "No pessimist ever discovered the secrets of the stars, or sailed to an unchartered land, or opened a new heaven to the human spirit." This is the kind of book that can be a life-long companion as we weather transitions and losses. It's available in bookstores and on the Conari website

Steal some quiet moments during this season to be with your muse!

Creatively yours,
Gail McMeekin
http://www.creativesuccess.com Copyright, 2006. CreativeSuccess, LLC.