“Nik and I were on the crumbling volcanic cliffs of Santorini, just beneath the caldera rim. Nik was in climbing gear but I was wearing a new dress and leaning-out dangerously towards the deep blue beneath!”
Against the backdrop of COP27, I’ve also been contemplating change this week – I fear the boredom of “same-same” way more than impermanence yet I often forget that transitions can be exhausting. Plus not everyone wants to take a running leap at change and, however ready we are for something new, there’s almost always discomfort at the final farewell of whatever we are letting go.
A couple of nights ago I had a vivid dream – Nik and I were on the crumbling volcanic cliffs of Santorini, just beneath the caldera rim. Nik was in climbing gear but I was wearing a new dress and leaning out dangerously towards the deep blue beneath! Nik had grasped some of the frills in the hem and was desperately trying to save me, as my gorgeous dress slowly ripped. Of course, I woke up. My heart was pounding as the meaning of this vision dawned….
I can be far too hasty to jump with both feet. Nik, for sure, is more considered. He will spot the rocks below and anticipate a messy landing when all I can do is obsess about floating freely, hair streaming behind me as I rush to embrace the salty aquamarine like a long-lost friend. It’s not always this way around and I’m sure there are many times when my caution has caused frustration but – this is the thing – our attitude towards change is fluid, and, well, ever changing!
And, right now, I need to slow down as well as let others take the time they need. Bizarrely, my dream came after a day of extreme clumsiness – definitely there was something I needed to wake up to!
Maybe this might also speak to you, as we approach the crazy season, where everyone wants a little bit of us and our “to do lists” are on steroids! We may be ending the year feeling like life is more familiar again but it is different-familiar. NOT the same. So we must go gently, give ourselves permission to say “no” to anything that doesn’t align with where we are now and, allow others to have their experiences; this last one has become so important to me both personally and in my work.
Change is what so many people tell me they want but even when they’ve become hugely dissatisfied with their present reality there’s a reluctance to step away from the familiar. Sometimes we need another catalyst – even eaglets need a push – and sometimes we just need some headspace!
Are you nodding to headspace? Then come join me on Saturday 7th January and take a day just for yourself surrounded by supportive and inspirational women. Plus, we’ll be joined by Life Coach Lynne Quincey who’ll be helping us to step into our Queen Archetype.
Find out more and book your place here.
