Many times in life we find ourselves in a fog of confusion, often experiencing conflicting thoughts and emotions or, possibly, even in complete disorientation. Whether this state is catalyzed by information uncovered on a self discovery expedition or as a result of some new unfolding circumstance, cathartic awakening or challenging situation, it is difficult to immediately process and understand what it is that we are feeling. As each thought is summoned and emerges from the depths of our spirit, it gets tossed into the already diverse emotional stew we are tending to. In order to understand what it is that we intend to serve ourselves and others, however, it is important to pause long enough to recognize and acknowledge each new ingredient and how its presence affects the flavor, aroma and taste of that which we offer as sustenance to ourselves and those around us.
Being responsible and accountable for our own happiness starts with awareness. When we encounter periods in which clarity is not easy to come by, this is a clear sign that should urge us to press PAUSE, giving ourselves time to consider all of the information that has come to light. When our response to a question such as "What are you feeling?" or "What is wrong?" or "What do you want to do?" is something like "I don't know" or "I cannot answer that right now" or "I don't have a handle on it, exactly"...we must allow the necessary reflection to take place in order to gain understanding. While it is not always comfortable or easy for us to stop to delve into the analysis of our internal whirlwind, it is paramount to insuring that the foundations that we create and build upon are solid representations of who we are and what we want.
Many of us fail to acknowledge these rumblings that disturb our peace of mind or challenge the status quo out of fear that they might overthrow our reality if we actually defined them. Often we just ignore them...imagining that they will "work themselves out" or disappear eventually. While this may be possible, more often than not, truths that fail to be recognized when they emerge often grow in size and momentum and crop up later at the most inconvenient moments. If we can pause to gain understanding when it is obvious we are being encouraged to do so, we are in essence choosing to "download the most recent updates for our lives" as opposed to waiting until our system crashes and needs major trouble shooting.
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Erin Williams, Houston Life Coach
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