How To Turn a Corner
Photo by my BIL, Carl Schaumann, who is bravely riding across northern America on his bike this Summer. This is Twin Sisters Rock in Washington state on Lake Umatilla.
We might be standing in a self imposed shadow, with a sense that a brighter version of ourselves lives around the corner. The unknown should not deter us from setting out!
There are times we need to turn a corner in ourselves (We might label it as “in life” but it is rooted in self.). Turning a corner is a process of letting go of a pattern. We often are not sure how to even begin because we mistake the patterns of our thoughts and behaviors as identity or as things “happening to us,” when in fact, they are a choice. Be it learned limitation, tolerance for discomfort, attachment to outcome, build up of guilt, regret, or resentment… these patterns can look like any number of things. They are the Shadow Self in Jungian terms.
The growing need for change feels like discomfort with an element of knowing. Perhaps the only element of knowing is that it needs to be done! We might not know how to do it or even what we will see around he bend!
How on Earth does one achieve something they can’t even imagine or know how to do?
I guarantee you, if you seek, in whatever manner feels comfortable to you, the journey will unfold and change will occur.
1) Admit it to yourself. Believe yourself. “I need to turn a corner.”
2) Admit it to someone else. Ooops! Now you are accountable.
3) Ask for help from a friend, counselor, God, the Universe, Aliens… it does not matter, just ask any or all. Something magical happens when we take this step. Throw it out there believing someone hears you!
4) Seek yourself. Begin to look for the new you. Try things on for size. We can’t pick a perfect outfit without trying on several to know what we like or do not. We can’t choose a new home without visiting them. We have to find the right fit or our true self and shed the options that are not right for us.
5) Listen to the feedback in your heart, not your mind. You already know when something feels good so use that as a barometer. Imagine your perfect meal; you feel it in your belly. Imagine the warmest hug from your love; you feel it in your heart. Imagine a laugh with great friends; you feel it in your smile. As you step forward into new territory, use your heart as litmus test.
6) Trust the feedback and follow it. Yes, you might now know what the next step is or where it leads, but the Universe is answering you with a good-feeling direction. This can come in the form of warmth, serendipitous synchronicities, or gifts. If you feel a Universal rap on the knuckles, try a different door, do not push for what you “think” awaits around the corner.
7) Enjoy the prospect and watch it unfold. You WILL shift and the place around the corner will be one of peace, love, and comfort that is a better fit for you.
We are not the same person we were 10 years ago, 5, 1, or even yesterday. Why not take the opportunity to reinvent in a way that achieves our highest self? Our tie to our past is mental, not actual. It’s a very empowering concept to know that we are reinvented.
I can’t say what awaits around the corner. Neither can you. I CAN say that if we follow these steps, lead by heart, we will find ourselves in new, ever expanding territory of a higher self.
By the way, I have never used so many exclamation points and CAPS in my writing. Goes to show that this post is about the POP of faith and passion behind my excitement for everyone!!!
