ShiftHappensShift Happens

Imagine this…two caterpillars were crawling along a tree branch one day when a butterfly flew overhead. One caterpillar said to the other, “You will never get me up in one of those things.” (from Robert Holden’s “Shift Happens”)

And so it is with human potential. Much like the caterpillar thinking it could resist its innate nature to transform into a butterfly, human beings often resist their natural potential to transform into their fullest expression. However much we might resist, the truth remains:

  • We were designed by the same power that created the acorn. One small acorn transforms into a mighty oak tree.
  • Our bodies contain trillions of cells, each cell having its own specific purpose that is governed by an intelligence far greater than the human mind.
  • We were created by the same universal energy that holds the planets in space…and our feet on the ground!

So why is it then that some human beings resist, and even deny, their innate ability to evolve, while others move from resistance to persistence and make things happen?

Speaking from my own experience, and knowing this rings true for MANY, it wasn’t until I moved from my limiting beliefs of low self-worth, to acknowledging my true value, that I could operate from a place of personal freedom.

And it wasn’t until after I moved from the false idea that things happen to me (as if I am a victim of having no control), to an understanding that things happen through me, that I began to truly embrace the responsibility I have for my choices and the effects they have in my life.

In other words, shifts happened. I could have been the caterpillar that resisted its abilities by continuing to listen to my inner-saboteur. But my inner-champion knew better and, after falling into the pits of pain far too often, I finally listened to it and began my climb out.

If you’re like me and many others, an unhealthy romantic relationship is often the path to these painful pits. And, without consciously doing so, you might end up digging yourself deeper and deeper into that pit before you’re ready to climb out.

But the good news is…you CAN dig yourself out! Grab a shovel and I’ll show you how going with the flow of changes will make the dig a whole lot easier…

The first thing to acknowledge and accept is that shifts are continually happening in your life, whether you like it or not.

  • the seasons change
  • relationships change
  • job positions change
  • the state of your health changes
  • the price of gas changes almost every day!

You get the picture. There are ebbs and flows, ups and downs, times of moving forward and times of taking a step back. There’s nothing you can do to stop this natural process. The question is:

  • Are you going with the flow of change, or against it?
  • Are you feeling at ease and generally optimistic about your life, or depleted of your energy and discouraged from even trying?

One of the biggest things that impedes the natural flow of change is YOUR resistance to it. When you resist change, even when you don’t like what’s happening, you are directing your energy toward attempting to control something that cannot be controlled. This can be exhausting!

On the other hand, when you accept change, even when you don’t like what’s happening, you can consciously direct your energy toward how you’re responding to this change. Your response IS something you can control, and the more you exercise this power, the stronger it will become.

For example, let’s say my partner and I, for the most part, have always gotten along. We both feel really good about our relationship, and our ability to connect is effortless. This feels awesome and we want it to stay this way forever!

Then, over the years, we start moving in different directions. We don’t have the same common interests that we used to, and our ability to connect is often short-lived despite our best efforts.

Wait a second!! Things were going so great. I was feeling SO good about our connection and the health of our relationship.

This lack of connection thing wasn’t supposed to happen! Make it go back to the way it was, please…it was so much easier and more enjoyable.

With this attitude of resistance, I feel disappointed and powerless. And soon my energy is consumed with making useless efforts trying to make it go back to the way it was.

But guess what? I can’t make it go back to the way it was. We are in a different place now, and I can only move forward – and out of a place of resistance – if I accept the fact that our relationship has shifted.

From this place of acceptance, even though I don’t like what’s happening, I can make a conscious choice as to how I will respond.

What can I do that’s within my power to shift the relationship into a better state of health? Not back to the way it was, but to a place in which I can work on the relationship with honesty, respect and love. I choose to feel empowered instead of powerless.

And so you see…changes don’t have to be as difficult as we make them out to be. We have WAY more power than we give ourselves credit for!

You can choose to use your power to go against the changes in your life, digging your heels in and feeling depleted as you sink deeper and deeper into a place of stress and resentment.

OR…and I highly recommend this option…you can choose to use your power to acknowledge and accept the change for what it is and respond to it in the healthiest way possible.

What will you choose? Choosing to go with the flow will make a HUGE difference. And acquiring the tools to learn how will help you move forward with strength, determination and progress! I’m here to support you when you’re ready.

Spring is right around the corner. Stay tuned for inspiring messages on how to follow Nature’s example during this season of growth, renewal and transformation.

Love,

Catherine Dietz
Healthy Relationship Coach

P.S. If your romantic relationship has you feeling like you’re in an endless pit of pain, I can help you start digging your way out. Contact me today for your free relationship strategy session.

I’ve been in that pit myself and I know how to help clients climb out! Here’s what some of them have to say about how I helped them. I can help you find your shovel, too. It’s your choice!