I've noticed a recurring theme among my friends, clients, and colleagues lately: they feel a sense of darkness. Many are restless, out of sorts, and wonderfully discombobulated—a word I adore! It feels messy and disorienting.
What change are we trying to navigate?
The death of our old self-image can be uncomfortable, even painful. Yet, this is the only path to rebirth of who we are becoming.
I understand because I'm in the dark too. The old version of me is fading, making room for the new. I recently heard a profound quote:
"When we are in the darkness, we are in the womb to rebirth."
YES! As a woman who has birthed three beautiful souls, this resonates!
Why do we feel the need to recreate ourselves? I've changed careers many times, from LA County beach lifeguard to Peace Corps volunteer in Togo, West Africa, from selling speed reading programs over the phone to mortgage processor, AE, Manager and VP, yoga studio owner, coach, keynote speaker, Leadership teacher, and more.
I've been searching for myself in all these roles. Some I loved more than others, some brought me closer to who I am, and some took me further away. I could feel it in my body when I was in a job that my soul protested, but the money and titles kept me headed in the wrong direction.
The work I continued to return to was mindfulness mentoring and deeper conscious awareness, often in nature. These can be applied in our work life as a boss, leader, or c suite: as a spouse, a mom, a Girl Scout leader, or a swim coach. It's our mindset and thoughts that create our reality. When I say deep consciousness, I don’t mean you need to become a monk and live in a cave in the Himalayas. It means being more aware of moments in day-to-day life.
Clearly, with all of this searching it turns out, I was looking for one thing—ME.
I heard this quote today - it says it all:
“If you feel like something is missing in your life, it is probably you.”
We feel the need to recreate ourselves until we realize what we really need to do is be our true selves. Trust me, I know this journey is not easy and should not be taken alone. I have had many people support me as I navigate this darkness which can be painful. What I have discovered is that reconnecting with myself means connecting with the sparkle inside, my true self, and what I intend for in this life—being in nature, moving my body, and cherishing each connection, doing what I love to do. I spent years searching for that outside myself, but it’s not about what you do but who you are.
This new me is an easier path. I am simply being myself, sharing what I love (Nature walks, Wilderness experiences, Sacred Retreats, Mindfulness routines), and inviting people to join me.
I love it, and it brings me joy.
What brings you joy? There is a clue here, and I would love to hear from you, so please reply and share. Let's find our true selves together.
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