Every once in a while, life tweaks my nose and forces me to live into the advice I offer in these blogs. This is one of those occasions.
For background, you need to understand that I plan the topics for the Self-Care Notes 3-6 months in advance. This allows time for the seeds to germinate. I selected the topic for this new series, New Journeys, back in October. At that time, I had no idea that I would be writing this blog while Marlene and I are beginning a new journey of our own. We will be moving from our home of the last 17 years into a two-bedroom apartment that is close to where she works. This new journey will involve not only leaving our home but downsizing in a big way. I am a gifted pack rat who can come up with multiple reasons to save almost anything. But the time has come. The pack rat karma has arrived. Moving and downsizing will be interesting new journeys.
New Journeys do not always involve new geography. A new journey may result from changing jobs, careers, or hobbies. New friendships, neighbors, or family members can prompt a new relational journey. The loss of a family member or close friend may invite us into a new and unwelcome journey of grief. Anytime we are starting a path for which we feel ill-prepared or otherwise apprehensive, we are tempted get through it by doing what is necessary. We may risk our physical, mental, or soul’s well-being just to get through it.
Over the next weeks I will invite you to consider how you can care for your body-mind-soul as you anticipate, initiate, and survive your new journeys. The goal is to thrive and grow through the changes and challenges that come with new and unknown paths. Sometimes it is hard to take that first step because we can only anticipate disaster. After taking the first step we may begin well but become lost amid the myriad of unfamiliar choices and paths before us. It is my hope that you and I will not simply survive but thrive until the new path no longer feels like a stranger. When the journey ceases being new, we will have grown into the person who lives with love and trust, joy and hope with each new morning. We will have thrived through our new journey!
For background, you need to understand that I plan the topics for the Self-Care Notes 3-6 months in advance. This allows time for the seeds to germinate. I selected the topic for this new series, New Journeys, back in October. At that time, I had no idea that I would be writing this blog while Marlene and I are beginning a new journey of our own. We will be moving from our home of the last 17 years into a two-bedroom apartment that is close to where she works. This new journey will involve not only leaving our home but downsizing in a big way. I am a gifted pack rat who can come up with multiple reasons to save almost anything. But the time has come. The pack rat karma has arrived. Moving and downsizing will be interesting new journeys.
New Journeys do not always involve new geography. A new journey may result from changing jobs, careers, or hobbies. New friendships, neighbors, or family members can prompt a new relational journey. The loss of a family member or close friend may invite us into a new and unwelcome journey of grief. Anytime we are starting a path for which we feel ill-prepared or otherwise apprehensive, we are tempted get through it by doing what is necessary. We may risk our physical, mental, or soul’s well-being just to get through it.
Over the next weeks I will invite you to consider how you can care for your body-mind-soul as you anticipate, initiate, and survive your new journeys. The goal is to thrive and grow through the changes and challenges that come with new and unknown paths. Sometimes it is hard to take that first step because we can only anticipate disaster. After taking the first step we may begin well but become lost amid the myriad of unfamiliar choices and paths before us. It is my hope that you and I will not simply survive but thrive until the new path no longer feels like a stranger. When the journey ceases being new, we will have grown into the person who lives with love and trust, joy and hope with each new morning. We will have thrived through our new journey!
Tip - One Day at a Time
Celebrate the little steps in your journey. This will allow you to acknowledge progress and avoid procrastination. I do a little “Yea me!” each time a take a bag of downsized stuff out of the house or combine several boxes into one.
Connect the Dots by reminding yourself of the larger goal. We need to live in the light at the end of the tunnel rather than the darkness that may surround us at the present moment. Keep your hopes close at hand. Grow through the moment and into the new day that awaits you.
Offer Gratitude for the small gifts and pleasant surprises that occur along the way. New vistas will begin to appear. Old memories will be stirred to life, and new memories will be created. Allow joy and gratitude to give you the energy you need to move forward.
A new Journey may feel strange, especially at first. It may evoke uncertainty and fear. But is also holds the possibility for something new and wondrous. Celebrate. Connect the dots. Offer joy and gratitude. Enjoy the journey!
Bob
Connect the Dots by reminding yourself of the larger goal. We need to live in the light at the end of the tunnel rather than the darkness that may surround us at the present moment. Keep your hopes close at hand. Grow through the moment and into the new day that awaits you.
Offer Gratitude for the small gifts and pleasant surprises that occur along the way. New vistas will begin to appear. Old memories will be stirred to life, and new memories will be created. Allow joy and gratitude to give you the energy you need to move forward.
A new Journey may feel strange, especially at first. It may evoke uncertainty and fear. But is also holds the possibility for something new and wondrous. Celebrate. Connect the dots. Offer joy and gratitude. Enjoy the journey!
Bob
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