I’ve been thinking a lot lately about shifts.
Shifts in life, shifts in business. Gained and lost friends, increased and decreased revenue, new offerings, failed projects, updated schedules, rescheduled events, expectations, timelines, goals . . . all shifting.
Basically, I’ve been thinking about all the things that shift around us on a regular basis and how sometimes those shifts are welcome and exciting, and other times they are unexpected and can make us sad.
I think I’ve been noodling on this because I’ve had so many shifts over the past two weeks.
I’ve launched and completely filled the slots for our new group coaching and mentorship program LevelUp FASHION with no more than a few emails sent to market it. (Welcome and exciting shift!)
I greatly miss working in coffee shops and the intense concentration that always seems to come along with that. (Unexpected and sad shift.)
I’ve gotten even closer to some of my best friends during these challenging times. (Welcome and exciting shift!)
And lost the friendship of another. (Unexpected and sad shift.)
I’ve decided to pursue an intimidating writing project that will challenge what I know about myself and the work I do, putting myself out there in a way that makes me slightly nauseated. (Welcome and exciting shift!)
These are the things that are occupying my mind. The things that I’ve been pondering.
Have you noticed the shifts in your life and work? Are they hard to deal with or exciting? Both, maybe?
Shift, of course, is just another word for change. But I think the word shift is less intimidating to people than the word change.
Change seems to freak people out. Tends to cause anxiety or fear.
Whereas shift seems to imply a slightness. An easing in.
Either way, whichever word you use, do you feel it?
Do you feel how everything we’ve been used to is shifting? And most likely won’t go back to the way it was “before”?
And if you do feel it, can you get yourself to a place of welcoming that shift with a sense of excitement and possibility?
Because I think it’s the only way we’re all going to be able to come out on the other side of this.
To be able to experience these shifts and accept that there are things that are simply out of our hands, to be able to experience these shifts and look for the positive, and to be able to experience these shifts and think about the possibility and opportunity they present . . . this is where we need to get ourselves. This is where we need to live for a while.
And why not, right? Why not remind ourselves that shifts can be good? Why not embrace the newness and use it to be stronger and more determined than ever?
Because, honestly, the alternative is not where any of us want to be.
Stay strong. You’re doing great.
Lots of love and encouragement,
