Going With the Flow

 

Going With the Flow

                 This time last year, I was on an extended leave from my job as Executive Director of a statewide nonprofit focused on child abuse and neglect. I called it a sabbatical of my own making; I asked for eight weeks off and my Board of Directors approved it. After 25 years of “sowing” in my career, that was my reaping. While I did have to take care of some things for my job here and there, I was able to unwind for the first time in years. When it was all said and done, I was ready to go back to work a week early. And the past year? Well, it was filled with new ideas, creativity, energy and successful implementation. So great was my experience that I decided I would use my vacation time to do a shorter, modified version this year.

            As I write this, I am on “leave,” and I have to tell you, it’s not unfolding as I had hoped. It’s like the lineup of the stars is creating circumstances that are keeping me from reaching my creative goals. Then something hit me; in fighting this reality, I’m going against the flow. And by flow I mean The Flow—of life, energy and the universe.

            I am a big advocate for making a list, checking it twice, and doing what needs to be done to meet a goal. As they say, “Someday is not a day on the calendar.” We have to make a decision to do something; schedule it in, and do it. But what if, in spite of our commitment and diligence to meet a goal, we still can’t make it happen? Or if it seems like we are repeatedly derailed, or the creative juices aren’t running through our veins in the allotted time? It may mean that instead of floating on our backs and riding the river of life (riding the flow) we are swimming against the current.

            As you move through your day, consider if there is an area of your life in which it feels like you are swimming against an invisible current. If so, ask yourself, "Am I willing to lay back and let the water carry me, even if it's not taking me to the destination I had in mind?"

            Remember, sometimes the universe has something else in store for us; and it might even be better than what we had in store for ourselves!

Many Blessings,
Sheryl