Help for Navigating the Detours of Life
I recently had a reminder of how quickly the routine of life can be interrupted by unplanned events that trump my plans. Between meeting with a client and leaving for a lunch date, I received a call from my daughter letting me know that she had transported my husband (her dad) to the local emergency room with a probable broken wrist and other injuries. I am grateful to say that although his injuries were painful, they were not life threatening and he is on the mend.
I surmise that just reading about me getting the call and going to the emergency room triggered your own memories of life “turning on a dime.” One minute we’re going about business as usual and the next minute everything has changed; sometimes for an hour, sometimes for days or weeks; sometimes things have changed forever.
At this point in my life I can look back at many “turnings.” Some as small as a detour in the road, some as large as the end of a life – and countless ones in-between. With conscious practice I have learned to accept the changes with greater ease and grace. I have found that it is not enough to know life is uncertain in my head, but also to intentionally care for the emotional angst of that uncertainty.
It is an interesting paradox that while we innately desire safety and security, we search for it in an unpredictable world that can, and often does, turn on a dime. This human existential issue has been written about by great minds for thousands of years; by scientists, theologians, philosophers, psychologists and healers of all kinds. It is a common theme in my work with clients: how to develop safety internally that is not available externally.
My recent “turning” experience prompted me to reflect on what has helped me. Here’s what I practice:
- Hold my plans with an open hand
- Focus on what “is” rather than what “should” be; this keeps me present
- View everything as part of my life, not an interruption of it
- Let go of judging my experience and live it fully
- Trust in Divine support
What about you? What helps you navigate the uncertain waters of life? Share your thoughts with a comment and let’s support each other. Because it’s good to know we’re not alone.