A fresh start.
Have you ever been in a situation where you thought you had everything lined up, and then suddenly, the rug is pulled out from underneath you? That recently happened to me, and while my first instinct was to tear my hair out in frustration, I'm trying to see the silver lining:
Maybe...what I thought was a good thing just wasn't meant to be.
Maybe...going back to the drawing board will provide a better perspective.
Maybe...the right solution is waiting around the corner.
Over the years, I've learned that when presented with a challenge — personal or professional — sometimes the best thing to do is to simply take a break, rather than keeping my head down and charging through the storm. Whether I'm trying to be a more patient parent, struggling with developing a marketing plan for a client, or juggling an overwhelming workload, there IS always a solution, or sometimes a compromise, that will work.
In an effort to gain some perspective on my most recent challenge, I went to yoga the other night. As I unrolled my mat, I noticed that all around the room, little cards of affirmation had been propped up on the baseboards. I will confess, at first, I rolled my eyes. I go to yoga to clear my head (and yes, to get a good workout) — depending on what I have going on in a day, the "all is light and bright" vibe in the studio sometimes just doesn't sit well with me. But smack in front of me was a card that read, "I am always at the right place at the right time, meeting the right people, and being offered the right opportunities."
Given my recent proverbial fall off the rug, that little affirmation just somehow seemed...right. I took that card at face value, stood a little bit taller on my mat, and post-practice, walked out of the studio having regained my confidence in finding a new and better solution.
When the going gets tough, how do you refocus?
Maybe...what I thought was a good thing just wasn't meant to be.
Maybe...going back to the drawing board will provide a better perspective.
Maybe...the right solution is waiting around the corner.
Over the years, I've learned that when presented with a challenge — personal or professional — sometimes the best thing to do is to simply take a break, rather than keeping my head down and charging through the storm. Whether I'm trying to be a more patient parent, struggling with developing a marketing plan for a client, or juggling an overwhelming workload, there IS always a solution, or sometimes a compromise, that will work.
In an effort to gain some perspective on my most recent challenge, I went to yoga the other night. As I unrolled my mat, I noticed that all around the room, little cards of affirmation had been propped up on the baseboards. I will confess, at first, I rolled my eyes. I go to yoga to clear my head (and yes, to get a good workout) — depending on what I have going on in a day, the "all is light and bright" vibe in the studio sometimes just doesn't sit well with me. But smack in front of me was a card that read, "I am always at the right place at the right time, meeting the right people, and being offered the right opportunities."
Given my recent proverbial fall off the rug, that little affirmation just somehow seemed...right. I took that card at face value, stood a little bit taller on my mat, and post-practice, walked out of the studio having regained my confidence in finding a new and better solution.
When the going gets tough, how do you refocus?
Thank you for sharing this! In October I took on a new position and triple the work load.
ReplyDeleteI also use yoga as a way to refocus on life both professionally and personally. I have been doing it everyday for the last 2 weeks and what a difference I have noticed in these two weeks.
Thank you Sara!
"I am always at the right place at the right time, meeting the right people, and being offered the right opportunities."
That is awesome, Michelle! And good for you for carving out the time to practice on a daily basis - I so admire your dedication.
DeleteThank you for reading and commenting.
With whatever you are going through know that my thoughts are with you. When I went through a fairly recent life changing time period it took a lot for me to even understand what I was feeling. Much good conversation came with those closest too me and eventually the fuzzy picture of life started to come back into focus. Negative feelings just bred an atmosphere of no confidence which took some fighting to get past. In the end the overall positive impact we have contributed to our professional side and personal side should outweigh anything else..but that is always easier said than done. When I think of the expression "fresh start" I automatically equate that to the little things like going outside and getting breath of fresh air and live in that moment. :)
ReplyDeleteI am sure all things will go well with any of your adventures my friend.
Thank you so much, Jonathan. Fresh air (in any way, shape, or form) is absolutely necessary when it comes to gaining perspective - couldn't agree with you more. I appreciate your support!
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