In an earlier post, I mentioned that every year, in addition to looking back on my accomplishments and looking forward to my intentions, I pick a theme.

Why pick a theme?

I've found that having a theme connects the dots between your personal standards and your yearly intentions, or goals. A theme captures who you intend to be in the world and how you want to show up. It's fun, it's a bit lighter. Most importantly, it captures YOU.

In 2005, my theme was to "Step Up and Stand Out." Last year, it was to "Explore My Vulnerability." Each of the year's that I've had a theme, I've found myself being more focused, more intentional.

This year, my theme is "Lightness of Being."

You see, in the past, I've had a habit of taking myself a bit too seriously, working very intensely, almost forgetting the harmony between being and doing.

In 2007, I'm all about putting more fun, freedom and flexibility into my life. Making choices about my happiness -- choosing happiness over success. Because, after all, I'm the one that wrote a book that states "Success is a byproduct of being who you are."

How am I planning to do this?

Well, for starters, I'm consciously making music a bigger part of my life again. An hour or so into 2007, I kicked off the New Year by meeting one of the greatest guitar players ever - Derek Trucks - and giving him a copy of my book. It's an intention I set after first hearing him play in October with Eric Clapton. And it came together effortlessly, easily. (I'm not kidding!)

All because I put my happiness first, approached the intention with a sense of playfulness and wonder, and just had fun with it. I didn't get caught up in the how. I didn't allow the Illusion of Not Enough to keep me from doing what I can do.

I allowed myself to be vulnerable.

To really be seen.

And it was great.

What is your theme for the year?

How will you allow yourself to be seen?