Like me, you’ll be reviewing your achievements of 2011.  It’s so important to look back at them, revisit and enjoy the memories, to celebrate them and to take the learnings of the year.  What are you most proud of, what’s the icing on the top of the cake for you?  What could you have done differently?  What have you gained?  What or who have you let go of?  What was your biggest learning about yourself?  Who were the key players this year who made a significant impact on you?

As I reflect back I remember that by the end of 2010 was beginning to feel uneasy.  I was continuing to work hard and yet the results were not showing up in my business fast enough.  I had some full workshops and 1:1 clients although I wondered if I needed to find a ‘proper’ job (perhaps return to my recruitment industry roots) and yet I really didn’t want to.  My calling to serve women, to support them in their greatness was so strong.  I knew that I had to keep focused, not allow fear to take over take what I am here to do.

I have invested so much in my own learning since 2004 with mentors, coaches, seminars, conferences, bootcamps as well as books, audios and training dvds.  What was slowing me down was that some of what I’d learned conflicted greatly with my own authenticity and it was on my mind so much of the time.  My thoughts were affecting my progress.  Have you ever felt that?  It was like pushing away from the side of the swimming pool as I decided to break away from what did not fit with my own values and to step further into my own truth.  Choosing to love and let go of the people who I was not in alignment with and instead be true to myself, honour my clients authentically. This move felt bold, empowering yet scary at the same time!  Having said this, I was so grateful for all the learnings and experience as it supported me to gain clarity on my own values, my purpose, who my clients are and how I can honour and support them to step into their greatness.  Does this resonate with you?

It was time to step up big and take the empowering practices that I’d learned and integrate them in with my intentions!  One of my dreams for some years was to set up a self development group for women and I decided to stop procrastinating and take a giant leap out of my comfort zone.  At the beginning of March, I launched a self development group for women in High Wycombe called Fab Friends Network.  Some wonderful women joined my membership group and began making great changes in their lives.  I was asked to appear on another local radio station and many speaking bookings came flowing my way.  Creating videos raised my visibility and pushed me further out of my comfort zone.  More clients connected with me – my authentic self, and knew I could support them to get great results.  I chose not to become distracted from my path and launched a VIP Group for 5 women in September, who I work with at a higher level, this group is called the Butterfly Circle and we meet each month for a day of learning, sharing and mentoring.   And a second Fab Friends Network group was launched in Basingstoke, Hampshire in October.  It was very exciting to have two new websites built www.alisoleil.com and www.fabfriendsnetwork.com.  The year unfolded beautifully with happiness, integrity and life lessons of trusting, surrendering, self belief and focus.

My clients have inspired and delighted me with their transformations, decisions, dreams and support. They have made such tremendous progress, I feel privileged to work with every single beautiful soul.  I’ve also met some hugely inspiring women mentors this year who have taught me so much and guided me to make authentic decisions in my business – and life.  I’ve been fortunate to attend some eye and heart opening workshops and talks in London with inspiring speakers such as Byron Katie, Sonia Choquette and Dr Michael Beckwith.   I also met my partner Andrew who has been a very important person in my life this year.  He has been so fantastic at loving me whilst allowing me to focus on my business.  Supporting and listening to me when I’ve been unsure of my challenging leaps, reassuring me and putting up with me when I’ve been a bit stressy!  Both my daughters have supported me at home and in my business, Becky has attended every Fab Friends meeting this year – which has been so helpful to me and a great learning for her!

It certainly has been a year of  huge leaps of faith, some big shifts in my thinking and most of all walking my talk.

I’ve learned that it’s so important to surround myself with a supportive peer group who encourage me to be the best I can be – to be authentic, to believe in myself, to ask for help, not to compare myself with others, keep on my path and not be persuaded off it or distracted by the ‘rocks’ in the road.  And above all to feel happy   Hanging in there, keeping motivated – believing in myself and my ‘gifts’ has really changed my circumstances enormously, the snowball is rolling and I’m in such a different place to where I began the year.  I start 2012 full of excitement and can’t wait to allow it all to unfold, surprise and delight me.

I would love to hear about your year, what you’ve faced and overcome.  What learnings you’ve taken and of the joys and delights that have been the icing on the cake for you!  And if you’d like some support to make your 2012 your best year ever, send me an email ali@alisoleil.com and we can have an informal chat to see how we can work together and make that happen, it will be my privilege.

Have a great New Year!

Love and celebrations

Ali xxx