In the last few years, it often felt like my life was underscored by the word "waiting." As the leader of a large team in the hospitality sector during the COVID era, I was suspended in a continuous cycle of anticipation: waiting for the next reboot, the next update, the next infusion of funds, and always that permission to take the next step. This waiting game evolved into a roller coaster, oscillating between hope and desperation.
However, there came a moment of reckoning when I realized I had the power to break free from this cycle. I made the choice to stop waiting and start actively engaging with my life. And while this newfound sense of agency has been empowering, it's also been peppered with its share of challenges, false starts, and lessons in self-kindness.
Reflecting back, the pathway to my eventual burnout now seems illuminated with neon signs, although it wasn't evident while I was on it. Those instances where I found myself treading paths that misaligned with my core values, those moments of self-abandonment and persistent people-pleasing that led to profound unhappiness - they all played a part. I liken it to a relationship long past its expiry, where the incongruences become crystal clear only once we step back and view it through the lens of hindsight.
But time, that infinite healer, has worked its magic. While it's been a journey fraught with a gamut of emotions, acceptance has been the ultimate destination. This isn't just about accepting others' actions or the circumstances; it's about making peace with my decisions, including the choice to stay ensnared in a situation that no longer served me.
Embracing challenges as avenues for self-discovery implies that the aftermath of a significant life shift is as essential as the shift itself. Without granting ourselves the luxury of time post upheaval, we risk hopping into the proverbial rebound relationship. Instead of finding our equilibrium, we might find ourselves at another extreme. The key is to journey forward driven by intention rather than sheer reaction.
So, what did I do during this period of rediscovery? I reconnected with the essence of me. I listed things I knew to be true about myself, things that light up my soul – be it running, writing, photography, or simply spending quality moments with my children and friends. I deliberately immersed myself in these activities, not as mere pastimes, but as anchors grounding me to a version of myself that was both familiar and empowering.
In conclusion, time is more than just the ticking of a clock. It's a canvas, allowing us to repaint our narratives, learn from our past, and craft a future aligned with our true selves. If you're ever caught in the throes of transition, remember: give time its due. It might just show you who you truly are.