We’ve often been given the metaphor of making our way down a road or path as a comparison to going though life. I agree that in many ways, there are similarities, for example the final destination is unknown, but we have a map, general knowledge of points of interests along the way, and we have access to guides and signage. There are bumps, and curves, and in between, we try to enjoy the view. Sometimes we are in the drivers seat, other times we are not. (We should try to always be in the drivers seat by the way. Whose driving your bus, if not you?)
This analogy is a good way to describe the unexpected event that abruptly suspended my road trip last year, forcing me to take a long detour. Some would say that this is typical, right? Just when life seems to be predictable, you can expect some kind of upheaval to send you in a completely different direction.
Some changes you chose, like switching jobs or moving to a new house, but oftentimes the life-altering moments are thrust upon you, rather unexpectedly. Either way, it takes some time to process what is happening. And some circumstances take longer than others.
My journey was suddenly interrupted January 16th, when my son-in-law passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind his 17-month old son and his wife, my daughter to continue their journey without him. It was like a landslide had just taken away a part of the road moments before we were about to go by. Life as I knew it, screeched to a halt and for a while, everyone was speechless, in shock, trying to figure out what happened.
I’m not sure how long we stood there, or who handed us a map, but in that moment I knew the journey was going to be different— not by my choice entirely.
The last year has changed us, given us a new perspective, and we showed strength and resilience beyond what we knew about ourselves. I spent the last year travelling a bunch of side roads, trying to figure out if I was supposed to get back on my original route or if there was a new destination now. It brought us new routines with our daughter and our grandson, that have become very precious moments.
As I write this, I am back in the car, and back on the original road for SOAR Coaching and while there may be an infant seat in the back and a few more things in my weekly calendar, the lay-over brought some good reflection, and opportunities to refine the business model.
Starting with this blog. I have received much feedback about keeping it going, and it warms my heart that you enjoy reading it. I will continue to keep it short and twice weekly, with the exception of the Advent Calendar series, which has become a bit of a tradition to post each of the 24-days leading up to Christmas.
My past advent calendar series looked at Gratitude (2020) , and at the Spirit of Christmas (2021) This year’s Advent Calendar Blog series will be my reflections about change, like the unexpected changes thrust upon us versus the moments where one choses to make big changes, or who chose to introduce it little by little. Twenty-four instalments, celebrating the gifts that change brings to our life, allowing us to become who we are meant to be.
Change gifts us with attributes, lessons, and understanding we need to become who we are meant to be.
- A new perspective
- Growth, as a result of learning and adapting to new ways
- New chapters, being able to turn the page and knowing a new chapter can write itself.
- Keys, that will unlock new doors and opportunities.
- A customized strength-building program, making you stronger
- Resilience, so the challenges ahead don’t affect your inner peace
- Inspiration and understanding for helping others
- Solid footing, grounded in knowing who you are, or are becoming.
- New vision for your life ahead, clearer goals
- Motivation, built from success brought about by change.
There is an abundance of blessings in our lives, many which have come about as a result of change, intentional or not, and once in a while, it’s good to count them. Bring on change, for it brings blessings!
The road is the medium by which we follow our journey. The journey is full of experiences (good and not much). When a situations presents itself that is ‘not so much’, best to acknowledge, accept and adapt where need be.
L
It feels so good to read you my dear friend. Welcome back 😘