The Washing Machine
Disoriented, Uncomfortable, Brutal, Messy...the last 7 days
Generally I have my shit together. I mean I think I do.
Mostly this has been the case, even in the face of the largest amount of change I have ever encountered at once.
Professional. Personal. Moving locations. Kids, well young adults, moving out. Spouse also changing professions.
I choose this. Consciously.
Honestly, I have no choice…this is the path, we are going here, and then there.
Overall, with the support of many, I have navigated this self induced upheaval really well. Pretty proud of myself actually. Doing a good job!
And then the wheels came off.
A couple late nights at the hockey rink, less sleep, rupture with my wife, and a total loss of footing.
The Washing Machine
We call this the Washing Machine. Actually, this was a fitting metaphor from David Stegman on our most recent call.
Spinning, shaking, tossed all around, trying to breathe and struggling to do so, forgetting myself, lost in the dark, and then coming up for air.
Painful. Uncomfortable. Necessary?
“The price of the new is the cost of the old.” The Guides (Paul Selig)*
Do you want to change?
Do you really want to change?
Can you let go of everything you know? All that you hold so tightly? Can I?
The requirement for change is jumping back in the washing machine…regularly. To go through another cycle.
The Gift
While the price is very high and the discomfort will test the system - there are gifts.
I get to choose to continue. (Not like going back is an option).
It’s clarifying.
I am reminded that there is a gift in weakness. It requires something to change, it takes courage to change. We go to the gym to break ourselves down to get stronger.
Weakness is required for growth.
And there are benefits to others. If I can remember how painful and disorienting this is, I can help others when they go through it. As a coach, as a friend, as a human.
Don’t let this go to waste. - David Stegman
I will not.
A Reminder…
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Marianne Williamson
*Thanks to my dear friend Jeff for reminding me of this brilliant sentiment.
Love this analogy and the reminders. Another cycle it is!