Into the River of Change
If I asked you right now how you were doing, I mean really doing, what would you say? You might reply, “I’m OK” or “I’m stuck” perhaps “I’m barely getting by” or maybe “I’m struggling day by day.” It would be fantastic if you could claim, “I’m on the path to personal transformation.”
Transformation is an extreme and dramatic change. If that sounds like a lot of work, most likely it is. Sometimes people get stuck in their lives and would rather stay in the mud than fight their way out. I’m here to offer support, encouragement and an extra hand to help you out of the muck and into the river of change. The river will wash away the weight of fear, doubt, loneliness, unfulfilled dreams, and mediocrity you’ve been carrying around.
We often wait for life to happen to us rather than go after our goals and dreams. We stay in the comfort of what we know, which clouds our vision and cloaks the possibilities waiting for us. Sound familiar?
A few weeks ago, I was at a crossroads of sorts. I was standing on the bank of a river that was flowing from a nearby waterfall. In order to get to the waterfall, a person had to climb down the jagged bank, onto the uneven rock bed, then into the chilly water, and gingerly navigate across the river. Then by proceeding cautiously with each step toward the bank on the other side, and finally climbing out in order to get to the waterfall’s edge.
I had a choice, I could remain standing on the bank of the river and watch those make it to the other side, or I could take a leap of faith and trust in my ability to navigate the process, albeit rocky and a bit scary. The tour guide was standing in the water below me extending his hand, encouraging me to take a chance.
Do I or don’t I? What if I fall and hurt myself? What if I look like a fool? However, what if I don’t fall and don’t hurt myself? What if I navigate the river just fine? The bottom looked rocky but I could take my time and shore up each step. The river was beckoning me to trust. In that moment I decided yes! Yes to the jagged bank, yes to the uneven rock bed and yes to the chilly water.
Lean into the uncomfortable and enjoy the process while it unfolds. I’m not saying it will be easy, but I am suggesting it will be worth it. The satisfaction of each little step along the journey, no matter how uneven or hard will be another step towards transformation. Change is necessary to expand our hearts and lives.
Steps to help you navigate:
Start with something manageable
Learn from others
Take baby-steps (some may be forward and some may be back)
Be willing to be uncomfortable
Trust your intuition
Be your own cheerleader
What would happen if you dared to take a leap? Even if you fell, you could get back up and start again. Take a chance on your dreams. Are you willing to step into the river of change? I’ll be standing on the uneven rock bed below, extending my hand. Put yours in mine and take the first step into the water. I’ve got you.
xoxox…..Sheryl