When’s the last time you got a surprise from someone, or from life itself? And I do mean in the good kind. Can’t remember? Ready to change that? Well, then it’s time to invite some surprise into your life.
Because the truth is that often, for all our talk of wanting more of this or a different that, we tend to travel the same well-worn paths over and over. We “soldier on”, acting out habits that have grown stale. And those habits can include putting off casual daydreams—or rich fantasies—of adventure or change. Instead, we stay in our well-worn lanes.
We tend to travel the same well-worn paths over and over, acting out habits that may have grown stale.
Change may not be the most natural thing
Basically, we humans fear change. There’s often no real reason why not to make one. Besides our natural fears, it’s just that we’ve perhaps always lived the way we’re living. Or it’s how we’ve watched the folks around us “do life.” Besides, our routines are comforting, right? They work.
Or do they? Hmmm. Maybe the truth is somewhere between yes and no.
Today I’m thinking about embracing change. ‘Tis the season for me on a lot of levels, and that intrigues me. Because I know if it’s happening to me, it’s happening to folks around me, too.
‘Twas what season?
I’m thinking about the fact that there are placid seasons in our lives. Times that, as you look back, seem like long stretches of comparatively calm water. But then when was that, exactly? Those six months? That year and a half? But actually, this major life event happened. Then that one. And while they had your attention, the lid blew off the situation around the corner.
Never a dull moment. And that’s the journey. That’s the beauty. Beautiful life.
And yes, change comes in seasons. Like in the movie Chocolat, where a big wind blows lovely Vianne and her daughter Anouk into the village. And we feel it. The “winds” of change. “Spirit.” The unknown. Excitement. Freedom. Fear. Plus whatever grieving we’re doing as we let go of whatever certainties we need to lose.
Welcome to this little time out. Time just to ponder. Just to imagine. It’s a form of play that can, well, change your life! So stay with me here.
In thinking about my own ongoing progress toward my heartfelt goals, I’m ever and again surprised by my changing priorities. New drives and goals that I couldn’t have predicted a year ago are front and center now. Can you relate?
It’s exciting, and maybe maddening, especially for those who love us. It can cause us—and others—anxiety, too.
But it’s not really surprising if we take time to reflect on it all. Because life is long, and we’re living in an amazing age. So why not go for the gusto?
I’m excited to roll out my new Live Your Dream for Realpodcast, episode 1. In fact, it represents me living my dream. :)
I don’t know where this is going
First, know this: I believe coaching others is an inherently creative act. So I’m stepping on into the unknown here, with this blank canvas. The truth is, I’m starting this new endeavor not knowing exactly where it’s going every step of the way from here. I don’t have the grand scheme all worked out!
And more, I say this is relevant to coaching others to live their dreams. Relevant in the realm of meaning and satisfaction in adult life, work, and relationships. Including our relationship to self. Our relationship to life.
The value of not knowing
Not knowing exactly where I’ll go from here, or how it will all turn out, is relevant to situations or seasons in which good people may be dealing with what I’ll call a crisis of meaning. Where on the outside things may be coming along beautifully, but something’s missing. There’s an emptiness to it.
Maybe what’s missing are all our most secret, sacred goals. The ones we’re quietly dreaming of, but not living.
The unknown can renew us
As a bit more foundation, I’ll share with you that my personal work, as an individual woman, is to continue to follow what I call the river of my own life and creative process. Wherever it leads me.
So that season by season, year by year, decade by decade, I am growing. I’m developing parts of myself that I haven’t known yet. And in the process, I’m constantly renewed by the fact that at least part of my creative process is always on into the unknown.
And I mean in both the outer world and in my inner world. As I develop parts of myself that I don’t know yet, skills that I don’t have yet, I refresh myself. Neurologically. Physically. Emotionally. Spiritually. It’s all good.
Toward expanding, not folding in
In truth, life may often seem to encourage us to gradually fold in. To tuck in. To risk and express less and less. Instead, living on into a continuing fullness that being in the unknown brings to our lives, well, that’s the quality of life I’m looking for.
Indeed, I say this is good for us humans living in the wild, wonderful 21st century. We’re truly blessed with so much opportunity to keep growing through the lives we lead.
Now, with these thoughts under your belt, jump on in and enjoy Live Your Dream for Real, episode 1. And please, send me your questions here!
