“Each step forward is a loss of the old way, and it involves grief and pain. Each step forward is a defiance of the misconception that sameness=safety. Each step forward is an act of faith in the idea that change might actually be a good thing. ”
I was in an art supply store in the fall of 2017 and noticed a card on a rack full of greeting cards. It had black with white lettering that read “Leap and the net will appear. —Zen saying”. Though I didn’t need a card, I bought it anyways. I liked the statement. It is now stuck in my head and has helped me through making many, many changes in my life.
Quitting a job, removing relationships from your life that no longer work, moving, and more are big undertakings that are sometimes necessary in order to move into the next chapter of your life. I have to tell myself this every day because I never want to become complacent.
The definition of complacent: “Marked by self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies.” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
Just like everyone else in the world, I seek happiness and satisfaction, but I never wish for complacency to settle in and hold me back from trying new things. I hear so many humans say things like
“Oh, I’d like to live there, but……”
“Oh, I’d like to quit my job, but……..”
“Oh, I’d like to travel more, but……”
“Oh, I’d like to become healthier, but……”
These phrases make me aware that complacency has taken over them and I become sad. I’ve tried to encourage these people to take action towards change, but quickly figured out that many of these types of people don’t listen to my words. Either they actually don’t want to change (they are too fearful) or they just are so lost in their own thoughts that they truly don’t hear me. So, now I try to set examples through taking action myself. While it’s easy for many to ignore words, it’s much harder to ignore action.
While my husband and I are about to sell our home and do some traveling in an RV for a while, I’ve battled with making this huge change (I love my newly renovated house!), but the saying “Leap and the net will appear” keeps ringing clear in my mind. This change is nothing like anything I’ve ever done before and it’s scary, but I believe it will bring many blessings and experiences to my life.
Making big changes are best done in small increments.
My husband and I have saved, prepped, researched and more for years now, and know it is now time. Speaking from lots of experience, making big changes very quickly can lead to shock and regression. This article by Dr. Jennifer Kunst on Psychology Today’s website explain how slow changes lead to long term success.
Please know, that if you too are in need of making some big changes in your life, there is a net and it will catch you when you leap. You will have to do some prep work before leaping (like getting your finances in order, researching and more), but you CAN do it.
I encourage you to talk to people you trust to help you throughout the entire changing process. Support is the number one thing that we all need during times of change. I don’t know what I would do without the support of my husband, my mom, my friends and numerous other people in my life. Actually, yes, I know what I would do. I’d become complacent.
Sending my light and love to anyone who needs it!
Art by Carolyn J. Braden, Media: Gelly Rolly Pens, Faber Castell PITT pens and BIC pencil
Pin me! www.carolynsbloomingcreations.com
Created by Carolyn using the Rainbow Love and Canva apps