Wisdom most definitely comes with age and experience. Only now do the most complicated situations seem unequivocally clear; at times I feel like a wise owl sitting out of sight, on a sturdy branch in a tall tree. I can see situations unfolding before my eyes, and yet other times I still find myself putting my dresses on backwards!
The contents of my mind seem to have found a balance. That said, I can still amaze myself with my ability to come out with ridiculously stupid questions and statements! On the whole though, I’ve found what I believe to be a new kind of balance and wisdom.
Where?
The answer to that question lies somewhere between harmonising hormones and performing acupuncture. At the beginning of this year, unlike any other time in my life I was at a standstill in my career. I knew I needed a change, I knew that I needed a kick up the arse, but I didn’t know that studying something so uniquely special and rewarding was around the corner.
So here’s the thing; when you know you need a change you start looking for it. You consider the possibilities. It’s so easy to get sucked back into the same old patterns, and to fear any change in your life. The fact is, beyond fear of change is progress! I urge you, if you’re actively seeking something different, or considering whether to accept invitations, take note of 'coincidences'. Try something new, or even look at something you’ve already considered in a new light. It’s a change of mindset that might be needed.
It’s easier to harp on about something than to put a plan into action. We are often comfortable with our own frustrations, it’s what we know! Ask yourself if you want to be that person that sits in their own stagnant situation? Move, make the change, and think about how proud you will feel when you do.
For me, and with a career spanning 20 plus years, the concept of studying something new, and putting myself in the position of 'beginner' has been every bit as scary as you might think! But I did it anyway. Being a control freak ‘not knowing’ feels foreign to me. It makes me feel vulnerable, and I don’t like that. However, because I don’t like feeling that way …it makes me try harder. (After I’d peeled myself off the floor and had a hard word with myself that is!)
This pathway that I’ve taken has reconnected me, back into the way of helping others, not in an egotistical way of ‘I can fix you ‘, but a gentle nudge into that positive space where you can learn to help yourself. The power of acupuncture is impressive, and it has enabled me to see that I can be a conduit for a balance that everyone's bodies are capable of. Following my case studies over the last 3 months has allowed me to see what’s possible for us humans to achieve when we are more self aware.
The peace, connection and balance that has come from the meditative work I’ve done for my clients brings me a true sense of satisfaction, and although my practice is in its infancy, I know this is the right path and I’m never going to stop learning. Working on the body and the mind in harmony may sound like a cliche, and you’ve heard that a million times before .. but have you really listened?
Your mind is the most POWERFUL part of your make up. Those thoughts of yours can translate into physical ailments if you don’t truly look after your mental health.
This year has been the busiest one I've ever had and at times it’s been a struggle to keep up, because, as my partner puts it .. I’m a snail 🐌(he meant tortoise but I’m keeping it). I am slow, steady and constant. I can’t go any faster but I know I’ll get there. I’ll take the long way, often the hard way, and it’s been like this since my time began. My partner… is the Hare. He boings around, at speed, with precision and a keen eye for perfection.
Our life together is an adventure. I’ve never ‘lived’ such a full life, or been so happy! We are now celebrating our first anniversary as we have been together for one whole year. It’s amazing how much you can learn about yourself in a relationship, especially when you’ve been alone for such a long time.
These compromises you have to make in a relationship… they surface a lot don’t they? The adapting and flexing for each other, the thinking of their needs ahead of your own. Not always as easy as you’d like to think it is. It’s no longer me me me, but it’s about being an us.
We’ve had to compromise recently as my partner is adventurer, and that’s one of my favourite things about him, but I just can’t keep up! Fact is, I love being outdoors, exploring, walking and believe it or not camping, but I suck at hills.
In my last blog I talked about courage, and how it was okay to say you can’t do something. Last time it was the Welsh 3000 and this time it’s hill walking in general. I just don’t enjoy it. I can hear you saying that the views must be worth it, and yes they are breathtaking, but I think I need to start with more realistic expectations of myself.
We’ve now reached a compromise and my partner will head off hill walking and wild camping at the peak, whilst I stay on lower ground with the camper van. Never afraid of doing our own things, our compromise is to do what we love together when we can, but it’s also okay to do our own thing apart.
Making choices and changes are the only way to keep moving forward. Living consciously and intentionally is a challenge, but so much more fulfilling. When all your days blend into one and it all goes by in a blur, you simply aren’t living out your potential.
We all move at a different pace, we sing to different tunes, but in the end we need to make our own life count. Our relationships need to be nurtured, our jobs need to interest us and we should all aspire to be the best version of ourselves.
Here, I've found myself to be both a wise owl and a snail … and that’s okay! If you’re just starting out on the journey of looking into who you are, believe me it's worth it. Whether it’s a life change, a career change or even a compromise, talk it through, and if you’re not sure then wait. Think before you act, look at the bigger picture, sit up high on that branch like the owl, but make sure you take the time you need to make the right decisions.
Ps... I wore pink tights on Wednesday! I've got a hole... maybe time to order some more!