We go about our days, we do our work and on occasion we have a set back. We get negative feedback from a client, a coworker, friend, family member. Reflecting on it, we slow down or step back. Then with hesitation and amplified awareness, we proceed forward again. Only this time, slow stepping. Looking four times before we cross the road. Careful not to bulldoze over what we just learned. Changed now. Because change changes us. Regardless if we accept it in the moment or not, we’re now different than before.

What may happen too often is we become a little rigid around that learning. We may hold it too tightly. Stay protected for too long. What we really need is to have the flexibility to bounce back up. I’m visualizing flexibility like an inflatable arm flailing tube thingy that dances outside car lots.

A handful of months ago I submitted myself to doctors and PT’s after an 18 month stint of “this foot pain will go away” and found out that I needed to put a ball and chain on my foot and stop moving to allow my foot to heal. Exceptionally unpleased with this treatment plan, I accepted my fate. I listened and sat myself down for months. After boot lockdown, physical therapy started.

Day one of physical therapy, the PT took me outside and had me walk freely. As we walked she kindly said “don’t be afraid to swing your arms a little.” Her words broke my intense focus. I had been walking like each step was my-first-step-in-the-world. My practiced protection of self, had left me robotically rigid. Her words brought instant relief. I hadn’t known until then that this habit of protection carried so much tension, extra weight. In that moment, what I needed was a little pep in my step, not straight arms robot walking.

I think this applies to how we lead ourselves in our work as well. Things happen to us. People share unhelpful words or maybe helpful words. If we misunderstand them then we put up all these unnecessary protection barriers and all the sudden, we can barely move about ourselves. When what we really need to do is see the moment just for the moment. Live through it and bounce back up. Take the reflection, put it into action and get back out there.

Challenges, feedback or obstacles are meant to inform us, not overly protect us.
We grow when we integrate the learning, release the tension and move freely again.

We can build habits that are helpful for journeys of learning, healing, receiving feedback, (insert any name of journey here). We can also break those habits when we are good to go again, ready to grow, use some courage and get back on the horse. We need discipline to do both: Understand when to tighten up and courage to go get after it again.

..To swing your arms a little!

Upcoming Dates

If you live in or are visiting Eagle County and want do join in one of these events, mark your calendars now!

April 22nd VVMTA Ladies Trail Crew: Technical Skills Training
April 29th VVMTA Ladies Trail Crew
May 2nd ERWC Highway Cleanup
May 21st VVMTA Ladies Trail Crew
June 18th VVMTA Ladies Trail Crew
July 15th VVMTA Ladies Trail Crew
August 18th VVMTA Ladies Trail Crew
September 15th VVMTA Ladies Trail Crew