Photo by ToniVC
It’s no secret that globally we’ve become accustomed to a faster paced kind of life, and society is constantly evolving to match it. Not only how we communicate, work, collaborate, eat and enter into relationship has changed dramatically, but how we see the future is rapidly changing, too. So with societal norms shifting so quickly, isn’t it also natural that how we make decisions is also transforming?
Aside from Hallmark, old movies and grandparents selling us on the idea of “forever”, believing that it’s still possible is a testament to days gone by, and keeps us hanging onto old ways of thinking. I’m not saying that forever isn’t a possibility, but with so many choices, upheavals, changes in technology and advancement in how we connect with each other, there is no more predictable path. The company idea that went no where two years ago can be a smashing success today because of the right mix of technology, shifting attitudes and a desire on the part of a newly evolved customer base.
Clearly, attempting to make long-term decisions does not mean what it once did. Instead of 30-plus years, it could mean five. Instead of “forever”, maybe it’s “until it falls apart and not longer benefits both parties.” With a faster-paced life we need to get comfortable with the ebb and flow of temporary circumstances, especially because it’s the only way to effectively live in the present and honor the truth.
So with constant change touching every corner of our lives, what’s a girl to do? Focus on inner awareness.
Inner Knowing Trumps What you “Think” you Know
If it hasn’t sunk in yet, here it is again — you are the only constant for you in this life. Knowing yourself, how you deal with stress, people, work, play, creativity, family (and the list goes on), is the only thing you can ever know for sure, but you need to spend the time to connect with yourself in self-discovery and appreciation. And how you feel and think will change, as you discover new ways to release the old, begin again and forge a fresh inner dialogue to pace with the changing times.
The message I’ve been getting more than ever is to make a choice that feels right NOW. To focus on the passion, connection and desire of something rather than the worry of will it work out? How will it happen? Or what if I get screwed over? None or all of these things could happen. But if you are truly connected to what’s a fit for you, and listen to your own truth, you’ll be guided to experience exactly what you are meant to experience.
Also keep in mind that just because something is hurtful or appears negative does not mean you were not supposed to have that experience. It simply means you have a chance to practice or learn, and your actions moving forward will determine if you need to repeat something similar to expand your learning at a later time.
Tweaking the Time Table
As a long-term thinker and visionary, it’s been a bit of an adjustment for me to integrate and accept the truth of a shorter-term mentality as the reality. I regularly work on taking my talent and passion for seeing the big picture and enmeshing the present moment perspectives and feelings I experience daily to create a more realistic, rich picture. But it doesn’t mean that my tendency to think big doesn’t usually show up first and have value. It’s about meshing my expectations, desires and emotions so I can make a decision in the present that is best for me right now, without the judgement or fear about the future.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far this year is about giving myself permission to change my mind, despite my fear of seeming flaky. It’s part of going with the flow that I know intellectually, but wasn’t actually living in practice. I’m finally living into the truth that the answer I give right now, today, doesn’t have to be the forever answer, and feel it rolling in my soul, judgment free.