Goal Achieved: Doctor of Business Administration ~ 2024 The Year of Circle Synthesis

Looking back on 2022 I am reminded of the Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) of a 1-year running streak. In 2023 I have kept the running streak going. PLUS, I earned my Doctor of Business Administration from Golden Gate University, which was equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest over 6 years. Reaching the mountain peak was a long and lonely journey but I had the support of my Arts Management mentor, Dr. Anne W. Smith, as my Dissertation Committee Chair.

Here Anne is granting my Doctor of Business Administration degree at MetLife Stadium in San Francisco. Same stadium in which the Hearts of San Francisco project culminated in 2014. All paths in my life are Heart-centered. 

2024 is the Year of Circle Synthesis. A Circle is a complete ring and Synthesis is to place together and combine. My intention is to generate brilliance ~ the intense brightness of light ~ by integrating all the work I have been doing in my career and various practices. The key strategic themes will be steady balance, calm compassion, self-kindness, and core strength. This Circle Synthesis is a process and a product, both of which are yet to be determined. 

Dahlia cat is pictured below sitting on my 8-sided graduation tam. I notice in these two images that Anne's hands are a circle around me and Dahlia cat is sitting in the tam's center. These images symbolize the integration of body, heart and mind. Eight is my favorite number because it is the fluid and flowing infinity symbol ~ a never-ending circle of synthesis.

The Year of Accomplishing BHAGs

 
On January 1, 2022 I began a running streak - meaning - that I vowed to run at least 1 mile a day. The duration of this streak was not decided until a month into the venture. Now it has been every day including today, December 16, 2022. I hope to continue this practice into the new year and beyond as it demonstrates that I can set and accomplish Big goals, dare I say Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs). 

If you asked me on December 23, 2021 if I would run even 1 mile I would have laughed it off - I hated running. Now I love it. This year I participated in three 5K runs and each helped me build focus and confidence. I ran through rain, snow, injuries, and extreme heat along mostly roads, sidewalks and some trails in Connecticut, California, Maryland, Virginia, and New Mexico.

Ironically, usually I advise my clients and students to be aware (or beware) of setting BHAGs because they are hard to achieve. But now that I have pursued several, I know that they can keep you inspired, motivated and on-a-journey. There is the runner's high and also the achievement high of setting an intention and making it a reality. 

Here I am at 2022 Thanksgiving morning 5K Turkey Trot in Virginia.

The next BHAG on my list is to complete my Doctoral dissertation (Doctor of Business Administration) at Golden Gate University. I began this program in 2018 and have taken the slow and steady route of one course per semester. The pandemic allowed me the time to focus on this BHAG. Slow and steady wins the race.

UPDATE: I ran all 365 days in 2022 for a total of 1126.45 miles. The streak continues in 2023.

So, here's to you 2023, the Year of Accomplishing Big Hairy Audacious Goals!

See you at the finish line.

The Year of Gentle Strength

As 2022 approaches I have set a new year intention as I have done since 2009. My intention is Gentle Strength. This is a practice of taking the time to sit and notice what is in the moment. Gentleness is a soft touch. Strength is perseverance and agility. Separately, Gentle and Strength seem in opposition, but together they are a recipe for presence, awareness and compassion. 

How I recognize moments of Gentle Strength is with my breathing. When my breath flows easily, freely and deeply I know that I have tapped into Gentle Strength. Discomfort can occur when moving towards this intention because it requires stillness. Sitting in stillness takes time to notice the body, mind and breath. This practice requires patience to melt away anxiousness, fear and doubt. For me stillness leads to release, relief and even joy. 

This image I took in Stamford, Connecticut at Cove Beach, reminds me of Gentle Strength in that the weathered rocks yield to the fluidity of calm waters extending into the horizon where distant land joins the sky. Clouds above are thought bubbles moving through awareness. I imagine myself sitting on these ancient rocks as I overlook the Long Island Sound, breathing in synchronicity with the rippling water and breezy air. Headiness yields to grounding. My body, soul and spirit are warmed by sun beams and blessed by the fairy fleck of light seen in the bottom left corner. 

Gentle Strength is here and now.