I have returned!

In a much less dramatic fashion, the semester finally ended and I was away taking the responsible route of studying and making sure I kept my grades up...much to my own surprise over anyone else's.

CHEERS TO THAT WIN.

Anyways, something that I have been really thinking about and trying to learn from is my ability to sit and let time and events simmer. In other words, the paths that lead us to where we best fit and can flourish do not always lead through places we expect. Personally I wish there was a way to do that simpler and so that I can feel confident in these new places. It can be so frustrating to me when I have to sit in the discomfort of not knowing the why and how I can get to the WHERE.

That was probably way to metaphorical or nonsensical...whatever word fits best. Really though, I know there is not a way for me to understand everything that happens, and it is even harder to think about other paths or opportunities that could have been. Still I know that I am never completely stuck in one place, and I have the ability to listen to my gut after I've "sat in the simmer" (my new ridiculous phrase I will continue to use confidently), and just choose. There is actually a great Ted talk from 2018 called Decisions, Decisions, Decisions that has helped me breathe through my anxiety and learn to just pick something. It can be as simple as deciding which cereal I want to eat for the week. Which, I kid you not, I have sat for at least 20 minutes picking up a box, putting it down, picking up another, staring at the one down the row...it is seriously maddening! Mostly for my partner. ha.

The thing is that sitting in the simmer is where we learn, connect with others, and eventually gather the strength to choose. Although I have found that it is almost harder to decide or step out when I am coming from the simmer, since I was sitting and accepting life without taking any risks. Which mind you I fully believe is a valuable skill we can all use to build patience! However it is not a life long point I would wish anyone to stay in. It may be harder launching up from a resting place rather than when you are already up in the air and exploring, but your core strength will rise when you take time to just think. Intake the waves and put out the negatives and the dead ends, let life happen, and then go. No two paths are the same. No two decisions will have the same impact in one person's life versus another. There in lies the beauty of growth even when we least expect it during that "simmer" phase.

So here is a short revival post that I hope can be a reminder that learning and just being in one place is not a bad thing. We can grow all the same while being patient and taking in our surroundings. Then when we're ready and the universe brings what's next, we can take that leap of faith. The power is already there, we just have to take the time to stoke it within and then let it flow and catch fire to our dreams.

HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK MY FRIENDS!

Sincerely,

Jessi Hope