“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.

― Lao Tzu

It’s natural to make plans, set goals, and implement steps to reach them. We do this all of the time, sometimes even without noticing. And when things go according to plan, we simply move forward and start visualizing what’s next. But life doesn’t always go according to plan and when unexpected changes happen, we start to doubt our judgement, question our intuition, and second guess our decisions. We’re paralyzed in the fear of the unknown. But, Girl,  YOU GOT THIS!

Sometimes It’s Helpful to Speak in Metaphors

Think of these unwelcome changes are detours. You’re driving in the car, taking a familiar route, one that you’ve driven hundreds of times. It’s reliable. Steady. The fastest way there. You trust yourself to know where you’re going. But out of the blue you see the orange “DETOUR” sign. Before you know it, you’re forced to take an unexpected and unfamiliar path. Thoughts consume you – “What do I do now?” “I don’t know where I’m going.” Fear and panic set it.

Always Learning

But just as you had to first learn the landmarks and twists and turns of your familiar path, again you are learning. Always learning. By taking the detour you are awakened. Your senses go into hyperdrive. You’re 100% present in the moment.  You are focused – noticing the more of your surroundings and perhaps more present in your driving than you have been in a long time. You’re giving into the unexpected change, relinquishing control and going with the flow.

Change is Inevitable

We’re all heard the saying, ” Change is inevitable.” But what’s missing are the instructions of how to get through it. Because change isn’t easy. It throws us off balance. It forces us to awaken and take notice. But maybe we need to notice. Maybe we’ve spent a majority of our lives not paying attention. Not tuning into ourselves. Not feeling. Not experiencing. Just like taking the familiar route, we’re on autopilot.

The Easiest Way Out is Through

What I mean by that is, we need to learn to sit in our discomfort. Feel the feels. Process the experience. Tune in and take notice. It’s all about being here – in the now – in this very moment.  Give yourself permission to “just notice” what’s going on with you.  Magical things happen when you’re fully present. When you are truly present, you can’t be stuck in the past or fixated on the future. You’re simple, here. And when you experience what it’s like to be here in the moment, you start to notice things that you would otherwise miss out on.

Connections.

Adventures.

Opportunities.

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