There are a lot of “never” and “always” statements I said when I was younger like, “I’ll never wear heels,” or “I’ll never wear makeup,” or “I’ll always love climbing and snow,” or “I’ll never own my own business.”
I think that I can officially say that all of those “always and nevers” have been blown out of the water.
Working as an instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) leading trips around the world, I was in my element – what inspired me, fired me up, got me going in the morning. But things shifted. It was time to let go, and find community, other interests, a home… and not knowing it at the time, but to become a “life coach” eventually.
It really hit me when I was having dinner this week with friends that have known me for 20 years (and I haven’t seen in a long time) – they’ve only known me as the hard core climber, skier, outdoors woman who only stops to eat so she can refuel for the next adventure (like the above pic).
When I told them I have an entire suitcase of dresses in my car, 3 inch heels, a make up bag and a ballerina and rhinestone iphone case, their jaw dropped to the floor and one of them said, “I think I need to digest this for awhile – it’s not registering.” (We all had a great laugh of course.)
I didn’t force it to happen – it just happened. Interests changed, and my body has been changing to things more soft, more kind, more gentle, and more feminine. I’ve sold all my ice climbing gear, ropes, my coveted -40 degree sleeping bag, and anything else related to vertical and cold.
It was my life, I loved it then, and now it’s passed. I never thought that would happen.
Yet it did. And I love my new passions – tango dancing and surfing. I’m flowing with what interests me, not what I should do based on how others have known me or how I’ve know myself. It’s liberating and exciting. It’s fun and rewarding.
I can’t say it’s been without fear. But not having fear would mean I’m not stretching myself into new ways of being. It’s what I need to do and want to do.
What do you feel shifting within you? An interest that’s changing – perhaps dissolving, yet you’re holding on because you don’t know what to replace it with? Or it’s how you’ve identified yourself?
Explore, check things out. Give yourself permission to say no to what doesn’t interest you anymore, or what feels like you’re doing out of obligation instead of desire or passion for it.
You’ll know the difference because your body will tell you – meaning you’ll feel heavy or tight in your chest when it’s something you’re not interested in anymore, and you’ll feel an excitement for what is.
As you head into the holidays, what’s one thing you want to do or add to your day that you haven’t done before? That will stretch you? Maybe it’s to take a ski lesson, or try ice skating. Or perhaps a pottery class, or guitar. Maybe you’ve thought about knitting something, but haven’t.
Now’s the time. Forget about the New Year’s resolution and open to what’s possible NOW. I’m here supporting you, cheering you on, believing in you.
If I can go from ski boots to 3″ heels, I know you can create your passions too!
Categories: Heart Centered Living