New Years Musings

Looking into 2021 and I'm really feeling like there is so much unknown, so much out of my control, so much that I cannot anticipate or plan for.

You may not know this about me but, I am a planner. I like to be in control. I like to know what is coming and plan around what is out of my control (because there is always a lot that is out of our control).

I think ahead while trying to remain present. I always know what I want and I'm working on making it happen but this year feels different...

Last year was a real lesson in relinquishing control and rolling with the punches of what what was thrown at us. We had to submit, be open-minded and fluid in our thinking. But somehow, when I think about starting a new year, I can't help but fall into old patterns of: thinking ahead, planning and trying to anticipate what this year is going to look like.

Although now, I have the knowledge and foresight that this year is, once again, different. As I try to look ahead and gain a clear vision not much clarity falls into the picture, it's like a blurry film strip of 'what ifs' and 'maybes'.

But I know this is my anxiety taking control, my auto-pilot brain trying to stay in control.

And so I remind myself that the unknown is not always 'bad'; that blurry can be beautiful and that I am capable of taking on anything that comes my way.

I have to ground myself within what I do know, rather than trying to grasp at control of what I do not.

And what I know is that life is full of challenges but through life's challenges we always have choices. In the wise words of Edith Eger: "Just remember,” she says, “no one can take away from you what you’ve put in your mind."

What I have in my mind is: my values; my strengths; my ability to ground myself and find calm; my ability to hold space for myself and others; my commitment to continuous learning & self-growth; and my resilience. These remain true and unchanging.

No one and nothing can take away what you have in the toolbox of your mind. Knowing yourself, knowing what you need & how to take care of yourself is a lesson of a lifetime.

So I urge you to invest in your mind this year, your sacred mind needs your love.