When were you last upset about what you considered to be bad timing? Last week? 15 minutes ago?
We all create plans and the deadlines that go with them – some are long-term, others may be last-minute ones.
And then, just when you are about to jump on that plane, sign the contract or say, “I do.” something happens … something goes wrong (or right!) and what you thought was THE ‘what is’ is no longer happening.
Sometimes it’s really no big deal, almost trivial – but all too often, it has far more elements and consequences to sort through.
When this happens, what do you think, how do you feel, and … what do you do?
A few days ago I made the decision to postpone The Walk, our Fall 2024 Retreat, that was to be held in Portugal. I have plantar fasciitis, an inflamed, and often painful foot injury – conducive to a casual stroll, not running a retreat that has easy, but longer walks.
It was a huge disappointment; The Walk was created to be a beautiful, meaningful and transformative adventure – I was looking forward to it and wanted to make it happen.
Then, slowly, as I sat with the decision and created acceptance for it, I realized I did the best thing.
How I choose to think and feel about what happened has a direct effect on how I feel about the actual outcome: which is essentially delayed gratification for an inspiring adventure that is all set up and ready to go for Fall 2025.
Being with what is can be a heart-breaking, hard pill to swallow if it feels adversely life altering. In non-critical times, all it takes is for us to dig a little deeper and discover that redefining those outcomes in a different light can make all the difference.
Remember, sometimes you just have to wait – and that means truly being with the what is.
