I have lived long enough to know that life goes in cycles: professional cycles, friendship cycles, and relationship cycles. Perspectives and locations may change in all of these areas, but what is most important is how the above quote ties in to all three of these personal domains.
I am always amazed at how many people muddle through life enduring unsatisfactory jobs and unsatisfactory relationships without realizing how much control they have over whatever circumstances they find themselves in both personal and professional. I, too, have had my share of living life like the proverbial hamster in the wheel doing the same thing over and over and wondering how to break out of the same ol', same ol' cycle. They stick with jobs because it pays the bills, and they stick with the relationship because they are mired in the belief that even a bad relationship is better than no relationship. Believe me, I have been there, too.
One day, I had an epiphany, and I started making some changes.
To me, life is all about self-reflection and evolving, yet, as I used to do, I see so many people set themselves up for failure because they keep going through the motions of pretending to live when what is really going on is straight up survival. Some people have the mistaken notion that enduring is eqivalent to living. When we change our mindset, we open ourselves up to so much more than merely enduring and going through the motions because that's what we have always done.
I know that change is not easy, but I have learned that there is major growth to be had in productive struggle: breaking out of that professional or relationship rut and making the difficult yet necessary changes to really LIVE and not just endure. There is no reason to stay in a job that no longer suits you or a relationship that has outlived its shelf-life just because we are afraid of making changes or because we adhere to the belief that "The devil you know is better than the devil you don't know." I say hogwash!
I do believe that we live in a world that is all about timing and opportunity, but it is up to each of us to make both of those conditions line up at the same time, and I am doing just that. Nothing just happens.
I am in the process of searching for new professional opportunities, and I have also had the good fortune to have love resurface in my life. I am ready this time.
"I have been introduced to the most incredible person. There is so much to tell yet beginning is difficult, there are so many unique qualities to describe and reflect upon.
Suffice it to say the prediction that things will never be the same, is so true. This seems to be a paradigm shift, a change in perspective, a refreshing of the spirit."
I like the image of these hearts intertwined with a latch that can be opened and closed. Take that chance and connect with love whenever you can, but be ready to release it when it is no longer working. The latch easily reopens when you are ready to let someone else in. I love the quote that "We accept the love we think we deserve." How very true!
