“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.”
– Rachel Carson
When you read that quotation you saw it was a message for keeping wonder alive in our children. Yes, you figured it out. It is true for all adults too, that we need at least one adult to speak with, to show us some avenues to walk, and to inspire us from the rut. Who do you think of when it comes to one adult for support? If no is around, where can you get support?
BE REALISTIC and NOT A CRITIC – You will have days of momentum and stagnation. Open to new perceptions of your situation and keep expectations grounded. If you are like me, we like a straight line so we know what to do when it is something we haven’t done and yet we like to follow our own rhythm. We want immediate gratification and we know that doesn’t usually happen unless it is eating rich chocolate.
My point is the word AND….both voices in our heads are active. This is true and so is this. When you are looking at a situation and checking out your expectations keep going by saying something like, yes this is true that I am bored and it is true that I need help and I think about my children rather than myself because it is an easy habit and I don’t know what to think about in regards to myself….You get the idea.
GET OFF THE HAMSTER WHEEL – Round and round is dizzy making and I don’t know about you, but even as a child that didn’t feel good to me.
Stop the chatter in your head. Move or call someone, read or do art, go the bookstore or on a hike. Gear up to stop spinning by saying, ENOUGH to that voice in your head that tells you the same excuses why you can’t…not enough time, tired, can’t figure it out, nothing works, etc. and just do something to shift the hamster off the wheel. It doesn’t matter what you choose, just choose and do.
ASSESS how you are doing BY THE WEEK and NOT THE DAY. First write what you want to do by next Sunday, example, meet with an old friend, call a colleague, join a hike in the community, go to one astronomy show, research in the library one thing you love to do.
Notice how you feel that you picked one thing, wrote it down and did it or didn’t do it in the week. You are to be compassionate with what you notice about you and that week. NO CRITIC or change gets gobbled with little nourishment.
MAKE A CALL – I get in the habit of not asking for help when I am at a beginning project. If you do too, shift that and make a call for help.
Getting help at any stage of your journey will for sure uplift you and head you into what is true for you and what isn’t which are two inner voices you need to make changes.
Let me know how you are doing.
natalie@emptynestsupport.com
818 763-0188 Los Angeles office
Whether expected or unexpected, change is a call to action and you don’t need to journey alone.
Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@lifeintransition.org
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