I am grateful for: embracing the process

Sometimes we get off track and veer off our “path.” We start to feel lost, uncertain, fearful and become so hard on ourselves that it takes us longer to get back to where we want to be. Most of us get so caught up on our end destination that we don’t always honor the experiences-both positive and “negative”- that it takes to get to where we want to go. But the truth is, growth is not linear. Most of us believe there is only one way forward, but the reality is that often times we take two steps forward and five steps back or even four steps forward and three steps to the side. Eventually, we end up exactly where we need to be. The power comes in the choice to believe each “detour” is all part of the process. When we fully embrace the process, we accept what life throws at us in any moment and ride the wave of life without trying to control how we reach the end destination. We understand that a natural and important part of life is going through both the ups that makes us feel aligned and the downs that make us feel “off path” in order to learn the lessons that allow us to move closer to our goals. Embracing the process is about leaning into the pain and hardships by accepting whatever comes our way without resistance. It is believing that each experience has meaning and no matter how hard it may be, “this too shall pass”. The key is to not get “stuck” in any one feeling. We should allow ourselves to feel vibrant, radiant, happy, ecstatic and joy- but not get ATTACHED to these feelings. We should allow ourselves to feel sadness, pain, loneliness, emptiness and hurt- but not get STUCK in these feelings. Embracing the process is not about removing fear from experiences, but it is about getting more comfortable in facing the fear. Embracing the process takes courage and as I’ve learned, courage is the act of doing something DESPITE being afraid- because if it were easy or casual we wouldn't grow in the ways that make us better people. So I encourage you to continue to embrace life by accepting each experience as it comes and enjoy the unexpected scenery on your journey to your end destination.