Fear of Change

When I chose the theme of Facing Fear for 2016, I had no idea how scary this year would be. I didn't know I would take a solo journey halfway around the world. I wasn't prepared for the reality of my daughter starting preschool. I had no idea I would find myself sharing intensely personal information with thousands of people. And I certainly didn't anticipate another major life shift.
 
The past four years have been remarkable. I was blessed by the birth of an amazing tiny human. I left a job and an office I loved to venture into the unknown world of yogi-preneurship. I shared encouragement with an ever-increasing community of readers through the blog and these newsletters. I helped people find balance and flexibility - both on the yoga mat and in their day to day lives. These shifts have been incredibly rewarding, but as 2016 drew to a close, I found myself looking for something more...
 
With my daughter now in a morning preschool program, I reflected on how I could invest my newfound bandwidth. I considered expanding my roster of private clients. I thought about adding a few studio classes to my schedule. I researched freelance writing and editing opportunities. But before I could dive into any of these endeavors, a little voice inside whispered, "Wait. Be still." So I did.
 
And then in the course of connecting with an old friend and colleague, the next step became clear. Unexpected life events changed her career trajectory, and she has spent the past few years channeling her passions into a daunting but powerful effort to serve families who are hurting. She was making incredible progress and affecting meaningful change but overwhelmed by the amount of work required to move it forward. 
 
I left our lunch inspired and excited. I thought back to my mother ushering me out the door each day as a child with a simple directive: Make a Difference. It seemed so simple, yet I was anxious about putting myself out there. Why did I think I had anything to add? Who was I to believe I had a talent or skillset that would prove valuable to the organization?
 
But the same small voice that encouraged me to be still whispered again, this time saying, "Try..." I called my friend back and said, "Put me to work." And she did.
 
Every new year brings changes - big and small - into our lives. Sometimes we find ourselves at a crossroads; at other times, we feel the desire to change course when it is least expected. Whether a new job, a new family member, a new city, a new hobby, or a new experience, in the coming year you will have an opportunity to change and grow - perhaps in ways you didn't anticipate. As we look ahead to 2017, I encourage you to embrace, rather than fear, those changes and continue to move down your own unique path.