Change is hard and often uncomfortable - especially when it’s unexpected. As humans, we love familiarity and routine. But sometimes, things just happen that force change upon us. Relationships end, jobs dissolve, we move to a new community, retirement - all can cause us to stop and wonder - now what?
And then there is the whole COVID thing. There has never been a time in my lifetime where so many people are going through the same thing at the same time. The isolation, the uncertainty, the division - all left us unsettled and wondering - what’s next?
What I have learned is the way I frame the situation in my own mind is critical in how I get through it. It’s natural to grieve. It’s natural to be upset or feel anxious. But the voice in your head needs to be your best friend and sometimes that voice tells you things that are just not true. It may tell you that you will never get through it or that you’re not capable - good enough, smart enough, etc. Blah, blah blah.
You have the power to change that message. You have the power to create a new story with a new voice that affirms you and tells you - you can do this. You are good enough, smart enough, and you are extremely capable.
How? By intentionally and repeatedly telling yourself. Whether you say it to yourself in the mirror, or write it down and say it out loud. Words are powerful and can help you get through whatever change you are going through.
Although starting over can be painful, it can also open the door for new opportunities. Think about the things you have always wanted to do but never did. Maybe you were interested in taking a class or learning a new skill. Maybe you wanted to travel or try new hobbies. Use those interests now to move you forward into doing something new that brings you joy.
It doesn’t have to be something big. The key is to find something and continually take small steps to move in that direction. There is healing, inspiration and clarity in action. Take action steps every day.
Several years ago I learned about kintsugi - the Japanese art of taking broken pieces of pottery and piecing them back together with gold to create a more beautiful and stronger piece of pottery.
We all have areas where we have been broken. Just like kintsugi where broken pieces are put back together and sealed with gold, the pieces of our broken life will also mend back together to create something new and beautiful.
From your challenging experiences, you have the opportunity to create a stronger and more meaningful life. You have the power to create a new story - your story - sprinkled with gold. Over time the broken pieces will mend back together and transform you into a new, beautiful and stronger you.
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