“Without resistance of air, an eagle can’t soar. Without the resistance of water, a ship can’t float. Without the resistance of gravity, you and I can’t even walk. Without opposition or resistance, there is no potential for progress.” -Joel Osteen
Seasons of life come, and seasons of life go, but how do we make every season of life matter? How do we bloom in each season? How do we bloom where we are planted?
Last week was filled with emotions for my sweet four-year-old granddaughter as she was preparing to head back to school. It had been a long six-month break and starting school again marked “new” on many levels for her. With the aid of the lovely technology, FaceTime, she called before she left and I could see the apprehension on her face as she shared that her Mom couldn’t walk her to her classroom today, but the teacher would come meet her, take her temperature and walk her to class. Now, let me tell you – this girl is a Momma’s girl like I have never seen one and I knew she was struggling with this.
Then, of course, there are mandatory masks, no tables in the room, but mats spread apart on the floor for social distancing and most of all, a new teacher after having the same one for two years in a row. So many “new” changes for this sweet child. Can you relate? I sure can!
As I walked back to my office, I was reminded about how adaptable children are. Then, this thought came swirling into my head…”Bloom where you are planted.” And I thought, yes, she will bloom in this new season! She will adapt and rise, and this temporary uncertainty will pass. And guess what friends, it did…quickly! She had an outstanding first day and could not wait to go back the following day. Ah, what a tremendous lesson there is here.
Whether you tend to see life as a challenge or an opportunity (I hope the latter), I know we all sometimes struggle with a season of life. I have experienced seasons of blessings, struggles, health challenges, unexpected changes, uncertainty, difficult decisions, grief, transformation and much, much more. I am most grateful that this thought popped into my head this morning as it was the reminder I needed to stop worrying about circumstances out of my control and focus on the ones in my control. This is a time of great opportunity my friends.
When I think of “bloom where you are planted,” I imagine the flower or weed erupting through the dark, tiny crevices in the rocks and pavement as the light is drawing and pulling it up. The light is finding the flower and the flower is searching for the light. If a weed can break through pavement, how much more can you bloom in any season?
Below, I share a few strategies (notice the acronym, S.M.A.R.T.) as we continue to erupt and bring the world our greatness, our superpowers. Reminders as we embrace seasons of struggle, change, growth, and everything in between.
- Search for the light. Always look for the light in every situation. The light will brighten your path forward and lead you through the opening – the door of possibilities and opportunities.
- Move forward with courage and confidence. You must act. You cannot stay stuck…well, I guess you can, but that will not help you make progress. Take the tiniest steps if you need to, but take a step forward. We are often so worried about making a “mistake” that we allow ourselves to stay stuck. Take a step…each step you take will give you confidence to take the next one.
- Ask for support from your team when you need it. Your team includes colleagues, family, friends, coaches – who is on your “team” that you trust for support? Where can you find that safe space to explore? I am from the generation that always wants to “figure it out” by myself. But there is often a better way when we include our “team” in the solution.
- Risk failing. Life is about risks and rewards. Your rewards are often in proportion to your risks. What opportunities are you willing to take a risk for?
- Trust the process and the outcome. You will rise higher than before – personally, professionally, and spiritually when you put your faith forward and trust in the good to come. Trust will increase your courage and confidence to move forward.
What season are you in right now? A busy one? A growth one? A slow one? A challenging one? The list could go on for days. Take a few minutes and jot down your “season” first and then ask yourself, “What opportunities am I not taking advantage of in this season?” And then, start moving forward and blooming and watch your fruit multiply. There are opportunities in all seasons. You will discover blessings in the most unexpected ways. And remember…This is a great year to take risks, after all, if you fail…you can just make the excuse “2020.”
Cynthia Legg, CPA, ACC Founder of Inspired Success, is a certified executive level leadership and faith-based coach. A retired partner in a regional CPA firm, she helps leaders, teams, and individuals achieve greater purpose and impact and take their team and organization higher. She helps her clients to enjoy the journey of success as much as the destination of success. She loves working with individuals pivoting to a new level of greatness.
