Each year I look back and evaluate my progress related to the theme, business goals and personal standards I have set.  It's an opportunity to celebrate discoveries, events, transformations, surrenders, and everything else in between.  I wanted to share my observations with all of you because you are fellow travelers on this journey.

My 2005 theme was Exploring My Vulnerability. In 2004, my theme was Step Up and Stand Out, and I had done that by conquering my fear of asking for what I want -- I interviewed such greats as Seth Godin, Dan Pink, Michael Gerber, Dr. Ivan Misner, and about 50 others.  Why explore vulnerability?  In our society, we view vulnerability as a weakness.  Yet, the most vulnerable people I have read about and witnessed are people with profound intuition, courage, and strength -- strength to go to the unfamiliar, dark places.  To be vulnerable is to be open to our truest selves, to allow ourselves to let down the standard defenses and barriers.  Yes, we open up to pain in many situations, but in doing so, we allow ourselves to feel, to experience life.

Being vulnerable is letting go of dwelling on the surface of life.

As I look back on this year, I realize just how much 2005 has been a triumph of my vulnerability.  Here's how:

• I've written Coaching Into Greatness, a book that lays bare many painful, transformative experiences in my life (when I first envisioned the book, I never imagined it would feature my life story)
• I didn't know exactly how the book would happen, I embraced my intuition and got out of the way -- I let go of controlling every detail and began to trust
• I left my position at CoachVille, where I had been a part of the team for nearly 3 years, to focus on bringing my own work to the world
• I began to specifically focus on receiving the support, advice, and resources of people I trust to do what I could do (you know who you are!)
• I created this blog, which was the first time I began to share my personal journey and views in such a public way

It's been an amazing, transformative year.  I look back with a huge sense of accomplishment, celebration, and love.  Most of all, I look back with no regrets. What life brings us is often messy, uneasy, and uncertain.  2005 has certainly been that, too.  But embracing my vulnerability has also meant the willingness to look for the life lessons in things that happen, and to hold on to the thread of continuity and purpose that runs through my life.

Thanks for walking with me.  2006 is just around the bend. Can you see it?