A low altitude view of ourselves tells only part of your story. What if we elevated the view, like a hawk in a tree, or an eagle flying at 15,000 feet above sea level? What would you and/or your life – look like? The whole of it?
If we step back for a moment and consider our wholeness, what might we see?
You would see a whole life lived filled with successes and flops, learning and pivots. Maybe even some opportunities taken or abundance ignored.
What’s your bird’s eye view look like?
If you are experiencing a problem seeing this view, fly higher or climb a bigger tree.
My client, “Ruth,” came to me to talk about her next professional move. Five years ago, she jumped back into the workforce after raising 4 children. She talked about how her resume had gaps, that she didn’t have enough consecutive work, that she was “just (??!!!) a mom.”
Whoa! First, no mother is JUST anything! It’s a hard-ass job with LOADS of transferable skills like conflict management, systems control, leadership, diplomacy – I could spend a full hour + on this subject.
I invited Ruth to seek altitude and take a bird’s eye view of her life. From that vantage point, she was able to see the whole of her life and the many skills and expertise she gained across the years. Today, she is actively seeking her next cool adventure, one that embraces and utilizes her lifetime of experiences and talents. You should see her resume now!
Could you use a little altitude?
———————————————-
Sit Quietly.
Still the mind of its thoughts.
Be the eagle sailing off wind currents.
You see an enormous river below you. Note the rocks and eddies.
These are the formative moments in your life: big, small, memorable, forgettable.
The celebrations, heartaches and defining moments from your first memory to the present time.
———————————————-
Now Go to a Higher Altitude. What do you see?
You. Your life is whole, human, and filled with events, decisions, choices, laughter, love, heartache, grief, opportunity, and suffering. If we are aware enough, we can see the abundance available to us. We see the impermanence of existence. Days or seasons of pain turn into seasons of growth and renewal. Memories filled with joy are precious because of their impermanence. Did you find the moments where you had to ask for help, as well as those moments you wished you had asked?
This is you. Human. Whole. There is no one else like you on this planet with the combination of experience, knowledge, accomplishments, and pivots. It’s all you. You are a magnificent being built for pain, love, suffering and joy!
Your Life “River”
What does your Life River tell you? How did you show up in moments of challenge? What experiences shaped you, your values, or your leadership? To what purpose is your Life River leading you? Where are the opportunities to take your unique experiences to your family, your community, and the world in a bigger way?
If you’re looking for deeper impact and a thought partner to help you explore your Life River and plan your next steps, let’s talk.