The Ride of Our Lives
How many of you have ever been seasick? It is a horrible feeling, and every part of you wants to go hide in a corner of the boat until it passes...and yet the best thing you can do is get out on deck, see the horizon and breathe the fresh air.
This is not unlike those moments in life when our biggest growth is happening. We know what we're doing isn't working, and yet rather than make the change that would propel us forward, we choose the "safe" path of what we know. We cope with that choice by self soothing and hoping for the best, and for me that usually involves a couch, my remote, and a bowl of popcorn.
What is it exactly that keeps us from even trying? Let's see if I can break down that million dollar answer here.
During times of growth comes the inevitable facing of fears, such as "What if I fail", and "What if no one likes this new version of me?". These fears are amplified by heavy beliefs we think are true, beliefs such as "It's too late for me to find a partner in life", or "I'm too old to go to school."
It makes complete sense that we prefer the known current discomfort vs. unknown discomfort of future change when we have all of these thoughts swirling around that validate that choice, and yet... the more you hide the worse you feel. The Truth is, that nothing in life is certain, and holding steady in your comfort zone for "someday" to come can lead to regret and heartache.
If we're lucky, we get to a point where the current pain of our situation starts pushing us to look within. We finally start asking ourselves what we WANT to have in our lives. Maybe we start to journal and we get some insights, or read a book that inspires us...maybe it propels us forward, but many of us hit a wall because our fears and beliefs still aren't being called to task.
Have you ever sat down to talk with someone, and after hearing yourself say something out loud, you gain some new realization? Now imagine if you could do that with someone who's been specifically trained to help you reduce judgement of yourself and your ideas, and been taught tools that will help you better understand your fears and challenge your beliefs? That's my job...and I seriously LOVE what I do.
What might be different if you could choose to step into that new reality with the confidence that you can handle the unknowns?
The first time my Dad told me to bring my miserably seasick self to come outside and sit on the bow of the boat, I was incredibly reluctant. I was sure I'd be puking over the side, and not feel any better despite his assurances. Then the magic happened.
I sat down and started enjoying the way the waves were moving the boat, I was able to see the beauty of the day and the light mist of the rain didn't make me miserable because it smelled amazing...and then the dolphins started following us out of the bay and playing right below where my feet were dangling. I was mesmerized and completely filled with joy.
I never crossed the straits of Juan de Fuca inside the boat again after that, and my fondest memories of our annual boat trips are of me sitting on the sail bag at the bow of the boat, listening to music and feeling like I never wanted it to end. You never know what might happen if you take the chance. You might just find a #joy you weren't expecting.
Are you up for challenging your beliefs? Negotiating your fears into allowing you a chance to #thrive? I'd be so freaking honored to be a part of that journey with you. If you're curious, I offer a free "fitting", which is basically a consult to see if we are right for working with each other. Email me at jennifer@dailychoices.life and let's see what's next❤️💃
If you liked this and want more content like it, join my email list here. That's where the secret squirrel content happens that I don't share anywhere else.
___________________________________
My name is Jennifer Lockhart, and I coach women over 40 who are ready to find and embrace their #selfworth 💃. Daily Choices
