Tabula Rasa — a Latin phrase often translated as “clean slate”
Another Christmas season has come and gone. Of course it was a virtual Holiday and one that was far different than any one before it because of COVID-19. We still unwrapped the presents under our Christmas tree but this time we did so with our loved ones via Zoom or a FaceTime call. As always, some gifts were a pleasant surprise while other gifts were exactly what we had been hoping for. Some gifts may have come in a big box with some assembly required while other treasures could be found inside our stocking with some of our favorite candy. All of that wrapping paper so lovingly used to wrap our presents were disposed of quickly revealing the gifts that had once been concealed. Ornaments that so beautifully adorned our Christmas trees have now been placed back in storage until next season when we will once again unwrap all of the new gifts under our tree.
Today, millions of people from around the world will be returning to work or school albeit in a virtual, remote setting. But before that Christmas and Holiday spirit leaves us, ask yourself whether you have unwrapped all of your gifts as many of our best gifts may have yet to be opened. Could this moment be an ideal time for you to embrace the concept of Tabula Rasa, that old Latin term that means “clean slate” dating back to the days of the Roman Empire when writing was such a time consuming process. Back then, slates were used as notebooks and when the surface was fully covered and/or you wanted to write something new, you would need to heat up the wax to erase the content on the slate and begin anew. Imagine how laborious that must have been whereas today we have all sorts of Note taking apps on our phones and devices.
But the term Tabula Rasa is a powerful one at any time of year but especially as we begin a new year. It’s that notion of starting fresh, of making that new beginning with a clean, blank slate. A uniquely personal Tabula Rasa that can succinctly summarize your SMART Goals for 2021 and Action Steps that can help you erase the disappointment, pain, anxieties, and fears of the past and place them in the rear view mirror where they belong. So what’s on your Tabula Rasa for 2021? Might it include:
- A new opportunity or Career Pivot that awaits you but one you haven’t fully discerned yet?
- A new relationship or the strengthening of one that may have been challenged in the past and that has held you back in some way?
- Forgiveness and reconciliation with someone who may have caused you some harm or in forgiving ourselves for those hurtful things that we may have done to those we love?
- Letting go of past regrets and failures, unfulfilled dreams, guilt, and all of those annoying gremlins that often block our path forward?
- A greater awareness and appreciation for all of those things that we have learned during the global pandemic that perhaps we had taken for granted before the crisis but want to hold onto when the crisis ends?
- A renewed Spiritual dimension to your life that perhaps had been dormant prior to COVID-19 and that could help you unwrap all of those special gifts God has given you and lead you to a greater inner peace that only He can provide?
I can’t wait to see your unique Tabula Rasa for 2021 and all of your special gifts that are just waiting to be opened in the days and months ahead.
Wishing all of my clients, fellow coaches, colleagues, and friends a safe, healthy, and happy 2021 as we cross that finish line of COVID-19,
Dr. K
