New Beginnings

January is a time for New Beginnings. It's as if one is given another chance to make things right. There is a freshness in the air that brings with it positivity, the creation of new plans and a new look at old challenges. One enthusiastically sets new goals to achieve in the year lying ahead; a desire to shape one's life differently.

It starts with a choice; a conscious decision to change one's circumstances. It is never easy to look in the mirror and admit your own shortcomings and in extreme cases, acknowledge that the time for 'Do or Die' stares you in the face. You know to change is not going to be a walk in the park and consider the consequences of continuing the road that has come so easy thus far.

A friend recently shared with me the astounding story of an eagle's life, and I thought how applicable it is to our own human story of reinventing oneself. It goes like this: 'The Eagle has the longest lifespan of its species; it can last up to 70 years. But in order to reach this age, the Eagle has to make a tough choice.

When the Eagle enters its 40^th year, its long talons can no longer grab its prey, leaving it hungry most of the time. Also, its long and sharp beak starts to bend. The aged and heavy wings stick to its chest and make it difficult for the Eagle to fly.

At this point the Eagle must choose either Die OR start the painful process of Change.

Should it choose Pain, it will fly to the mountain top and then starts knocking its beak against a rock until it is plucked out and then wait for its beak to grow back. It then plucks out its talons. When the talons grow back, it plucks out its feathers.

This painful process lasts 150 days, after which the eagle takes his famous flight of rebirth and lives for 30 more years.'

In order to get what one sets out to achieve, to begin anew, to enjoy the 'flight of rebirth', one must have good, strong reasons to embark on this journey. An unwavering desire, a specific plan of action - just like the Eagle has - and daily actions coupled with faith that 'it is possible for me', will ensure success.

Make the choice, like the Eagle, not only to survive, but to thrive in 2020!