Many months ago, I was having tea with an elder, wise friend who had shared an idea for a course she was contemplating creating on a previous tea date. When I asked how her idea was coming along, she said, “I’m not feeling the charge right now.” So, she’s put it on hold.
My first reaction was, “oh no, it was such a wonderful idea.” I wanted to convince her to continue. But I didn’t. Instead, I practiced what I teach: Pausing – Reflecting – Pivoting.”
- Pausing allowed the thought “it’s okay to stop when the enthusiasm isn’t there” to surface.
- Reflecting reminded me how often I “pushed” when not feeling the “charge” and that I am devoted to no longer “pushing.” Besides…
The only time you need to PUSH really hard is during childbirth.
But oh, dear female friends – we push hard often and push ourselves straight into a painful place. Unlike childbirth, when pushing results in a bundle of sweet love. Something to ponder for sure! 😉
Pivots don’t always come instantly; there’s a sifting, sipping, and settling in. In fact, my “pivot” didn’t occur to me until weeks later, when the thought “holding pattern” came to me.
Have you ever been in an airplane, all set to land, when the pilot receives the message that the runway is full? What happens? The plane goes into a holding pattern, right?! There’s still movement – it’s circling. There’s likely agitation because you’re ready to get off the darn plane and (heads up), there may be agitation with stopping because our culture has taught us to always be doing and going. Something to be aware of.
My point is that sometimes the runway of life gets full. An over-full runway could cause accidents – um… pain, discontent, fatigue… and inspiration, or as my friend calls it, “the charge” dissipates. It’s not that it’s gone; you have a choice to make.
- You have a choice to “push,” – which could cause pain.
- You have a choice to “stop” and choose a “holding pattern.”
I like the term “holding pattern.” It says, “I’m still circling.” The idea and vision are very much alive, but I need to take a step back and enjoy the view.
When you take time to “enjoy the view,” new ideas surface, and a different way of seeing things often appears.
Pushing blocks creativity. Pushing blocks problem-solving. Pushing, other than to birth a babe – does not serve your greatest good (or anyone else).
QUESTION: Where are you “pushing” that choosing to circle in a “holding pattern” will serve your well-being, and creativity too?
Pause. Reflect. Pivot. Repeat. It’s a way of life that keeps your runway “all clear” for a smooth landing.
-Suzy
Would you like support clearing your runway? Let’s talk!
Schedule your complimentary exploration call here.
