When longing for a change, practice pausing, stepping back, and observing yourself and those you love.
Some people say do what scares you. Some say ask for help. Others suggest go get inner and outer new resources. What would you put on your list to up your courage? What motivates you to want to say what you want to say, to do something new, to say goodbye? Is the pain increasing? Are you so bored with the spinning over and over in your head that you simply want a break from all that chatter?
Maybe it is a combination of reasons that lift you to courage. I remember a woman telling me, “I am so sick of thinking. I just want to quiet all those thoughts and go for it.” She did.
Courage is needed more than once in a lifetime. As you shift and learn and shift, over and over, you might need courage for the new path. Remembering that you had courage before helps.
Fear of mistakes, fear of getting hurt, or embarrassed, feed those heavy feet. You are scared and you have another part of you that can be scared and “still get on the plane,” or step towards what matters to you. Get to know that unknown part of you by beginning with a conversation, ” hello brave one, what do you want to share with me today? I am listening.”
A young woman told me she needed to leave her job where she felt unheard and invisible. What helped her was to list all the compliments she had been told, what she valued about herself, and where she criticizes her behaviors. Yes, she did have meetings to communicate her feelings and thoughts. Yes, she did leave after getting professional help with her resume and asking people to help her find a new job.
Courage, can you trust yourself that you will be able to handle whatever happens? Maybe it is time to turn to you and begin practicing trust along with your longing for courage. What do you think?
When did you listen to a part of you, wish you hadn’t, and didn’t call up your courage?
When were you courageous despite a voice that told you not to……?
I remember getting a yes response to something I really wanted. Then, I had to up my courage to show up. I did.
Self-talk of coaching myself, comforting myself, and getting it into perspective, are some of the tools that help me. “You can do this. You will be fine and if you aren’t you will still end up fine. It is a day in the life.”
Actually, my fears were worse than the reality of being there. I had so much fun and almost passed on being there because a habit voice jumped in telling me NO, before I had a chance to pause, reflect, and see what I needed in order to get to a YES.
Can you relate? I am guessing you can.
Take good care,
Natalie
Natalie Caine M.A.
Life In Transition, What’s Next?
Empty Nest Support Services
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