The Pandemic Pivot
I can’t tell you how many folks I’ve spoken to in just this last week questioning life, especially their occupations amid this pandemic. Historically the universe provides opportunities for us to slow down, stop, and re-assess what’s important to us. These events allow us to look at a bigger picture and become more clear on our values. Not the socially external standards but the personal, or intimate internal barometers of what’s important to me, what brings me joy what excites me, what feels in alignment with who I am. The key is knowing whether you are moving toward or away from that.
Life has a way of potentially keeping us stuck. It feels safer, and it is undoubtedly easier at times, to do nothing. If, however, the universe has hit the pause button for you, opening up an opportunity to discover additional growth, then congratulate yourself because you’re listening to the essential self’s desire to gain clarity for living more in alignment with the life you are seeking. Sometimes that’s scary, and it does require being brave, but isn’t that worth further examination? Clarifying our values is the beginning of living in alignment with who we intend to be in this lifetime and the discovery of who we are.
As a process of exploration pay attention, notice and be aware of;
Your Feelings
Your Dreams
Your Hopes
Your Excitement and Discomfort in certain areas
Your Body Sensations
Your Gratitude
Four simple things that can help guide you and help you create, explore, or define what is important to you in making lifestyle changes or choices are what I learned as the Four Freedoms. While applying the above mentioned, add to and expand on your own meaning for each of these following categories.
THE FOUR FREEDOMS
EMOTIONAL - What’s my calling? What is it that brings me joy, motivates, and guides me. Not what is my purpose, but what is my intention? How do I intend to live?
TIME - Freedom trade-off etc. Do I want to be my own boss so that I have freedom over my schedule, or does it feel safer for me to be employed by another having someone else structure my schedule? What feels right to me?
ABUNDANCE? What does that mean to you? Abundance comes in many forms; for example, I feel abundance when I have creative freedom, or holidays and weekends off. Or perhaps another feels abundance more in a monetary sense and financial security. Or maybe one feels it in gratitude for a job well done. Abundance is received on multiple levels. Where does abundance align for me?
GEOGRAPHICAL- Where and how do I want to live. Do I want to live close to family, or by the water, perhaps in a big city, maybe bicoastal? Where would my decision take me, and is that in alignment with how I want to live.
Finding clarity on some of life’s biggest questions can seem overwhelming for sure, but when we can check-in, break it down, prioritize, and set some goals, all change is possible. In the next few Mindful Monday post, I will provide you with some additional tools for assisting you in gaining further clarity for your pandemic pivot.
Stay well and be happy,
Donna XO
