Small Steps and Second Chances

Lately I have been remembering how precious life is, and how far our choices and responsibilities can take away from our gratitude. Our relationships can get lost to past hurts and unforgiven mistakes. Our enjoyment may become lost to our responsibilities, and our responsibilities do not always relate to things we find important. Sometimes, the larger forces at work lead us astray from our own passions, from our own energetic investments. We feel these losses in many ways unique to each of us, but it seems like we all feel them.

​I have been wondering about choices and second chances.  I know that often we must let go of some aspect in order to have a second chance or realize our choice. This aspect can be physical, such as quitting a job or leaving an unhealthy relationship. Perhaps it is a belief that requires release, such as “I’m not worth it”, or “It is not Ok for me to be happy”.  We may be called to heal from addictions, or an old pattern in order to move forward. The question that arises for many is this: How do we get the rest of our family/community to understand, and support our desire for a more whole and alive existence?

Living in a place where everyone supported the aspirations of everyone else would be simply wonderful.  Having financial freedom to make choices “worry free”, would be ideal. Even feeling completely competent and capable in one’s own decisions would create more possibilities.  Yet, in the absence of one (or all) of these factors, how can we possibly begin to rediscover ourselves? How can we take a “leap of faith” when we do not feel supported by the larger system, or even ourselves?
Perhaps a leap, is not possible or wise in this moment.  A step towards positive change, however, may be just the right size. Beginning to work on that belief, explore safety plans, incorporate a positive habit, or broaden a support base are all worthy endeavors. Many of us get caught in “all or nothing” types of thoughts, and forget about all the grey areas we have to work with.  Instead of looking for solutions, we just submit to feeling trapped because we cannot immediately have the whole desired outcome. The self-sabotaging quality of this pattern is clear on paper, and yet we continue to unconsciously perform under this block. What small steps can be made towards the change you want, personally?

Expressing what we want to see also seems to help the process.  Simply telling another person, is an excellent “small step”. Creating something, such as a vision board or art project related to our “new world” can be powerful in more fully aligning with it ourselves.  I have found music to be incredibly transformative, and often there is a song we discover that resonates completely with how we feel. You may be having ideas of your own at this very moment! 

Often when we make a micro-movement towards our goal, it gives our larger family and community systems a chance to prepare in a way for which they can be more supportive in the long-run. My hope is that we can encourage one another in these times of change, growth, and insight to bring in more of what we want to see.  Feel free to post comments and suggestions below, and have a wonderful week!