With the fervor of an ax-wielding Jack Nicholson in “The Shining”, I have been on a tear clearing out clingy bittersweet, thorny blackberry brambles and all manner of twiggy branches that had been impeding growth of nearby planting beds.
Companies are doing a bit of their own pruning. Connections are reaching out, processing being disrupted, feeling literally “dis-membered.” Impacts to job can hollow our core, nipping at self-worth, social connection, and security. As one confided, “I didn’t see it coming. It felt, somewhat, like a kick in the teeth.” Ugh, that tracks.
And as we talked, it became clear that their job wasn’t perfect. In fact, it hadn’t been a great place to work for a while for all sorts of reasons. But, it was familiar and provided a comfortable way to provide.
Then, three questions invited new thoughts…
• In what ways did your soon-to-be former role hold you back or keep you small? Let it be.
• What can you release that no longer serves you? Let it go.
• What will you welcome that is worthy of your talent, time, and energy? Let it in.
Being disrupted sucks, no question. The murky middle of a change you never asked for can feel like sinking quicksand. But, when you start naming what to release and what to welcome, you begin to drain the swamp and regain footing.
In my yard, in just the span of this past month, I’m taken aback at streams of sunlight that have replaced shade, lush grass sprouting through patchy earth, and skinny maples taking on unprecedented autumnal glory. Come spring, new possibilities will emerge that can’t even be imagined today just by creating space for them to appear.
Turns out, growth loves a good trim.