Transitions & Timelines
Key Takeaways:
Living clutter-free on all levels means you know how to allow, process, and let uncomfortable feelings go.
There are our personal timelines, and the universe’s timeline. Surrendering to the latter means more ease.
Spiritual clutter (whatever stops or holds you back from positive change) can be this mindset made up of resistance and fear to the universe’s timing.
Nature does not rush, yet everything is accomplished. ~Lao Tzu
People who live clutter-free lives are like trees when it comes to transitions. They go with the flow of the timing instead of striving to control. They know there’s a whole lot more ease and grace - and wisdom to gain - this way. All of our lives are a series of transitions big and small; we may as well embrace them as the opportunity they are to surrender.
I myself have been transitioning out of a 9-5 work lifestyle and into being my own boss. And let me tell you, it is not going by my timeline! On January 6th I was in what could have been a deadly, three car collision crash. Two months later, we’re still physically and emotionally recovering. Around this time I also learned that I may owe a big sum of money - which would force me to pivot in my business strategy. Then last month, gallbladder issues that run in my family, well, as the youngest it is now my turn.
With car crash recovery, being in a sort of financial purgatory, and then my health declining, I have been feeling immensely overwhelmed. All I want to do is give my all to my work, and the universe keeps telling me (louder and louder) to slow down, shift down gear, and focus on other areas of my life.
That’s often how transitions show up. We have ideas of what they'll look like, expectations of how it will go, and a timeline. “By the end of this month...” or “I’m on track to be ready by spring.” Then the Universe laughs at us! It reminds us of what is simply out of our control, and confronting how little control we actually have…that brings up very scary and uncomfortable feelings. Fear and disorientation are inevitable in transitions.
Throughout the seasons, trees use the resources they have available and the wisdom they hold. I can also do that. I can choose to resist, make excuses, throw blame at people or circumstances, push aside the overwhelming feelings, and internally be harsh with myself.
“Living clutter-free on all levels doesn’t mean all the uncomfortable feelings go away, it means you know how to allow them, process them, and let them go. ”
Or, I can choose to use the tools I know and the wisdom available to me. I tend to myself with compassion, get hugs, be open to receiving advice and counsel, get still and hold the painful feelings until clarity arises. Then, I cultivate the space and capability to let the timelines, expectations of myself, and feelings of overwhelm, go. I can let it be. I can surrender. I can join in with the universe at laughing at all the things I strive to control, when those things were never and won’t ever be in my control.
“Living clutter-free means one surrounds themselves with things - as well as tools, people, and knowledge - that supports their current life. Everything that’s not supporting them in being the best versions of themselves, that’s clutter.”
After actively practicing this for months, there’s abundantly more ease, calm, and peace to my life - in my mind, body, and soul. There’s more space in my mind, less pain in my body and more wisdom in my soul. Having surrendered through a deep, tough transition consciously, it makes me a better person to my loved ones, and a better coach.
Sara recommends…
this book is a must read for everyone! We all go through myriad transitions, big and small. We may as well go through them consciously.
Don’t you love the irony of the authors’ last name?
