Last week I said “I’m not the same person I was when I left”. This week I continue to be aware of this as I re-enter and integrate back into day-to-day life.

It makes me wonder how many times in the past have I either rushed into something new without ever being aware of the shifts or changes; or avoided the call to something new altogether, because letting go of what was known was harder than stepping into a new unknown.

I find myself contemplating a situation or opportunity, only to realize I am having an internal dialog about what is present, and how I use to deal with or approach something. Not necessarily big things either. In fact many of them are small and mundane.

The best or simplest example is the food I eat. Most of us get into a routine or pattern of eating. There is nothing wrong with that. We go to the same restaurants or prepare the same meals. It is our comfort zone. Since returning, I’ve noticed that many of the food choices that were staples, simply are not doing it for me!

Some, when I think of them, I get this sinking feeling of resistance. They just don’t appeal to me. This is where the dialog comes in. I try to convince myself that it is a viable option, because it is a dish “I use to make”, or it is a restaurant where “I use to eat”. I try to justify that at least it is simple and doesn’t require time. Efficiency has always held sway for me!!

But there is something different about the way I am experiencing this all anew. Since I am not in a hurry to decide.., instead, I am paying attention to this internal dialog! And I am convinced that in the past, I oftentimes defaulted and went with the resistance to change! Which means, I delayed, altered or stopped whatever “new” was emerging.

Let’s face it, it is easier to stay in a comfort zone.

This means that often, our awareness of the shifts and changes we’ve made in our lives, is viewed over a long period time or associated with a significant life event. We aren’t celebrating all the ways that we are continually evolving and becoming more of who we want to be!

I don’t think what I am going through is unique. I think we all do this constantly. For me, it has been the opportunity to separate from the routines or habits, long enough to see that they no longer resonate or fit.

Each day I find myself celebrating all the small ways that life has shifted or changed. Not that the old ways were bad. But that I am choosing what feels more aligned for me now… versus how it use to be.

I share this with you in the hopes that you will take a moment to celebrate the new you! You are constantly learning and growing and becoming more of who you choose to be. That doesn’t mean it is always easy. But there is a knowing that happens when you are following your truth. A knowing that makes even the challenging times feel right and part of the journey. Celebrate who you are becoming!

Then, the next time we run into one another, we will both have that experience of recognizing that “something seems different” with one another!

With Light, Love, and Laughter
Charles