“When the caterpillar thought it was the end of the world, it turned into a butterfly.” Deepak Chopra
Have you ever had a moment that was so perfect you wanted to stop time? I vividly remember having a dinner party about 20 years ago at my house in Edmonton before I moved to California. My family was sitting around the table, telling jokes and laughing, bellies full, sipping on wine or coffee, dessert plates and dirty forks strewn on the table. It was dusk. I looked around the room at the people I love – my husband, my mom, my in-laws, sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews and felt both a deep well of love for them, and a fear of all the changes that were coming. Would they all be safe and sound and happy and healthy until I returned home the next time?
The truth is – a lot did change. We lost our beloved dad, step-mom, and nephew, my best friend – my mom – recently passed away, and there have been numerous changes big and small. My marriage ended after nearly 20 years. Change is inevitable, painful, but can also be transformative, beautiful and there is so much grace in learning just how brave and courageous we can be in the face of painful loss and transition.
“Transitions in life can offer opportunities for discovery, provided we are open to random encounters and serendipitous events.” Robbie Shell
Transitions are even more challenging in mid-life. From the outside looking in, our lives can look great! But sometimes our souls are telling us that something is lacking, or we are feeling unfulfilled, and there is a little tiny ache inside of us. Perhaps your relationships with your mate or family need work. Perhaps your career isn’t as rewarding as you wished it was despite all your hard work and dedication. Perhaps you are feeling adrift as you adjust to having an empty nest with your children off spreading their wings. Perhaps you lack a connection with others and are struggling to figure out how to fill an emptiness you can’t put into words. And that is all okay. That is normal.
The courage comes in when you acknowledge that YOU have some work to do to fill that void. Our souls are always talking to us, the trick is to listen.
I’m not suggesting you move to another country, or leave your marriage, quit your job, or anything drastic. No big bold moves if they don’t resonate, but if they do…. Maybe take a little tiny baby step like reconnecting with an old friend, or picking up your journal and pen and writing down what is in your heart (THAT my friends takes tremendous courage!). And one day down the road you will look back and realize that every baby step along the way led to HERE and you will be proud of your bravery and courage because living an authentic life is what it is all about.
“…Something very beautiful happens to people when their world falls apart, a humility, a nobility, a higher intelligence emerges at just the point when their knees hit the floor.” Marianne Williamson
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