Convergence

A new year is upon us…which means new intentions and a new word of the year for me.I began thinking about my 2017 word of the year back in October.  I quickly came up with a few different words that each felt like they could be “the one.”  As the new year approached, I was having a very tough time settling on just one word.  I seriously considered changing things up a bit and choosing more than one word, but I decided I that I needed to keep it as simple as possible and stick with just one.The word that emerged as 'the one' is convergence.  This word surfaced as the perfect word, combining my other frontrunners which were depth, focus, consistency and bringing others together.The definition of convergence includes, "the degree or point at which lines, objects, etc. converge; similarity of form or structure caused by environment rather than heredity; a net flow of air to a given region."  The portion of the definition of converge that resonates with me is, “to tend to meet in a point or line; incline toward each other, as lines that are not parallel."  The thesaurus extends this to include the synonyms “assemblage (gathering of people), concentration (consolidation of effort), focus, join, merge, unite and come together.”Convergence it is!Specifically, here are some ways this word resonates with me personally and in my work with others...First, from the definition, “similarity of form or structure caused by environment rather than heredity.” We all live differently, yet many of us face the same challenges from our environments.  Too much stuff, too little time, too busy, not enough spontaneity, to name just a few.  To change this, we can converge together.  We can get to know ourselves better and we can explore, brainstorm and learn with others.  We can create our own unique simple lives together.From the definition, “a net flow of air to a given region." We get to choose how we spend our energy.  Are we converging that energy, that breath, that air, to the places we truly want to be?From the definition, “to tend to meet in a point or line; incline toward each other, as lines that are not parallel."  We do not lead parallel lives with each other.  BUT, we can come together and based on our common interests, desires and challenges.  We can converge.  And in doing so, we can come out stronger, with clarity, focus and direction.How will I live out this word, in light of all of this?  I’m going to focus on converging my offerings to what I really love doing the most.Over the years, I’ve offered a variety of services to support individuals in organizing and simplifying their lives.  I've gone wider rather than deeper, doing everything from working on an episode of Hoarders to organizing digital photos to speaking to groups and many things in between.  I’ve been blessed with wonderful clients, lots of learning and fabulous opportunities, all of which I am incredibly grateful for.But as my business has grown, I've been faced with choices... Do I envision having a team someday?  Do I love one area more than the others?   Is my professional life what I envisioned it looking like when I chose to leave the corporate world?  Am I living in alignment with my values?  Can I really keep doing everything I'm doing?I've spent a GREAT deal of time considering all of the above and more.  My decisions to converge what I offer will help me keep life simpler and more joy-filled.  If you are feeling the need to simplify and converge things in your life my next post will help!To Simplicity & Joy,Lisa