Hello—
There's a shift in energy that's happening—can you feel it? Changes are afoot. Yes, we could get specific: a glimmer of hope in the battle against the virus; changes in leadership coming for some of us; holidays—one right after the other; moving back
into the light with the solstice and the promise of a new year. Much to consider and navigate in these remaining days of 2020.
It's a time that can spur us on to new beginnings, new intentions, shifts in our lives and perspectives. It can also feel like the ripe moment for a new leap of faith. You know, that major turning point when we abandon caution and hurl Our Selves forward with our hearts in our throats and our fingers crossed…
There is another way to create this kind of change, though—I'll let Mark Twain explain:
“Why not go out a limb? That’s where the fruit is.”
What if, instead of feeling the pressure to take that free fall into the unkown, we went about it a little more gingerly? The work still gets done, just in smaller steps. It can make that "leap of faith" moment much gentler, much less daunting, more manageable and even inviting. Think about it. Wouldn't you consider the relative ease of going "Out on a Limb"? (3:00) (YouTube Link) or (Facebook Link).
This reinforces the practice of "Onwards—Gently" (2:07)—moving forward in a way that allows for moments to unfold more organically instead of being pushed and shoved into a
preset framework of "breakage": break out, break through, break down—broken…
It also underscores our very personal process—our innate artistry of the way we live our lives. We've gifts and talents that no one else has and by our very nature, we express them in a way that belongs only to us—much like a master's paintbrush on canvas: "You as an Artist" (3:08)
Can you dare to go out on a limb vs. taking that huge leap?—or does the shift happen for you only when you're in that free fall? Does "gently" negate the power of a turning point on some level? Can you wrap your head around the notion of being an artist in your own right?
Food for thought, yes?
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In the meantime, may you enjoy that luscious fruit—those rich, satisfying possibilities—while you gently practice the art of being You.
Here's to your continued healing.
Onwards!—gently.
Breathe…
Until next time—
Thanks much.
Cheers,
Steph
Stephanie Swafford, BCPP, BFRP
"When It’s Time to Listen To Your Self"
