It always seems so neat in writing: that concept on a slide; that activity outlined in three quick steps; that feeling described in the text of a book or article. Organized words and graphics designed to educate, evoke action, explain. We present the slide, lead the activity, nod along and whisper, "Yes, that's it," as we read but none of it manages to capture the actual lived experience of a thing.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately. How I teach about the concept of growth being uncomfortable. I lead activities designed to help folks ideate different versions of their futures. I write about ambiguity and taking just that one next right step. But it seems no matter how much time I spend talking and writing about these concepts, there really isn't anything that quite captures exactly what it is to experience them.
There is an infinite divide between talking about being in that space of limbo, of having more questions than answers and actually existing in that space. It's one thing to say "It's so uncomfortable to be in the unknown," and yet another thing entirely to feel the unique mix of excitement and trepidation; the simultaneous desire to have all the answers while also fearing what they may lead to.
It's so very easy to give the advice: "Just sit with it," until you realize that your shoulders have been at your ears and you've basically been holding your breath for what feels like hours. Talking academically and abstractly about these concepts is easy. Feeling them is exhausting and all-consuming.
In the middle of a thing, you are reminded that there isn't a best practice for sitting with or moving through these things. Sure, there are some techniques to try when you feel like your thoughts are spiraling. And yes, it's a great time to double-down on all the things you do to support your personal wellness. Finding and leaning into a support system feels absolutely key.
There's a post in there about all these things, but not today . . .
Today I just want to remind all of us (myself very much included) that it's all a work in progress. And construction zones are messy. And there's no list of tips and tricks and techniques that's going to clean it all up just so, right this second. The kitchen is covered in flour and there's a broken egg dripping off the counter but you know what, the cake can still be delicious. Break another egg into that batter and keep stirring.
As easy as it sounds and as hard as it is.
This Week Last Year
All about taking a little pause and finding a bit of play in the day (both solid suggestions for navigating messy ambiguity).
Hitting Play and Pause
Okay, okay, old school tape deck references (taken way too far) aside... two fun things happened last week: I completed my Lego Serious Play Facilitator training AND I tried out a new lesson in my Designing Your Life class. At face value, these two things seem unrelated, but when I sat down to brainstorm ideas for
Squirrel of the Week
Awesome squirrel graphic on a cozy sweatshirt—sign me up! Huge thanks to reader, Tyson for sending this my way (and here's a link to the source, just in case you also think this looks like a perfect addition to your fall wardrobe):
Have you been dealing with any "seems so easy on paper" situations lately? Can you find the words to match the feelings? Also, that squirrel sweatshirt . . . seems like a solid fall wardrobe staple, right?
I think my entire SELF is a big, messy, work-in-progress construction zone!