Are you willing to turn your awareness into growth?
Yes, I’ve gained weight too! But that’s not what I’m referring to when I say that we’re growing in place. 😉 Because we’ve been sheltering in place for weeks, we're out of our natural rhythm, working and playing differently and thinking differently. Some of us are living at a slower pace with fewer distractions. Others are busier than ever. Any one of these changes would shake up your personal awareness. All of these changes at once can cause a flood of awareness.
Growth is the impact of what we are learning. So, when we are aware we can grow.
Growth only happens if we are willing.
Are you? There’s an exercise below to help you get clear and an offer to support you if you are having a hard time with so much growth at once.
In the meantime, here’s what I've been noticing about myself and how I’ve been willing to grow so far:
Awareness #1: Communication is like air for me. Vulnerability is brutal but I now know that I can’t live a happy and healthy life without both. Growth: I’m having hard conversations personally and professionally. I love the playful ones too, especially now. I’m more willing to be awkward, vulnerable and messy to get to the other side.
Awareness #2: Turns out I like the slower pace. My days are still as full but not as crazy busy. They are even more impactful. Priorities are clear. Growth: I’m choosing self-care every single day to hold the balance and will from now on. It's not perfect, but I'm making progress.
Awareness #3: Respect matters to me (now more than ever). Respect for this one life. Respect for self and others and how we treat each other. Respect for the planet and how I treat it. Growth: I don't define or judge what other people respect, but I am choosing even more mindfully how I use my own energy and time.
Awareness #4: I love helping people. It’s who I am, but when I take too much responsibility, I'm stealing someone else's important lesson. If you've been on the receiving end, sorry about that! Growth: I'll always help. I am responsible for what I say and do but I am not responsible for what someone else hears or does.
Awareness #5: I’m a social introvert. I knew this before, but it’s crystal clear to me now. I love spending time with people and I love my alone time. Growth: Since I won't be hijacking everyone's life lessons as outlined above, I'll have tons more time to be social or alone and will make honor both. It's a good problem to have.
I’m sure there will be more that reveals itself over the next several weeks. Here are a few simple questions to help you raise your awareness and get clear about how you are growing:
What do you miss most about your “pre-pandemic” life that you want to prioritize in the new world?
What do you like about life now that you want to continue?
What activity, thought, belief or practice has helped you stay centered during this time?
Awareness and growth don’t have to be hard or forced. It can happen naturally. Staying stuck can feel harder. If you are ready for more ease, I am happy to help you figure out how. I am opening up 5 half hour (virtual) coaching blocks on my calendar over the next few weeks if you'd like to talk. Here is the link to book a time: calendly.com/ellenpalmer/discovery. I realize that not everyone has the privilege of a slower pace right now. All the more reason to pause and reflect on what matters most to you and make time for it. It may feel weird to think about how you personally are growing through this.
I believe when each of us grows, we grow as a society for the better. Win-win! Here’s to growth!
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