Embrace the Pivot
What are you afraid of sis, everything working out for your good?!
You do know it’s well possible right, we have to give things a chance and give ourselves more credit in the process. I wonder why this is something that we usually resist before we really give it a chance?! Honestly, I think the most difficult part for some of us in this phase is acceptance and the discomfort that may present itself, so I’ll take one for the team and embrace it. I’m now in a place where I love the idea of a good pivot, because these usually result in a change in pace although it’s not always easy. I believe these moments are essential points in our journey. Don’t get me wrong I wasn’t always comfortable fully embracing this and sometimes there’s still some discomfort. I promise I still struggle with this from time to time, so I know!
For me, things [had] have to be done strategically because I was afraid of what would happen if I had to change route. It’s one of those things where you question if you’re taking the right steps and willing to risk some things at the stage, you’re currently in. What I appreciate about pivoting is that it’s one of those things that can be beautified and romanticized if you approach it with an open heart and mind. In my case, it seems that the older I get the more I crave change in my life where I can thrive in different areas. The question to ponder is “Are you in a place of acknowledging the need to shift?” We must be mindful of the direction of our lives as there is no way to avoid life’s hurdles. While there was a time, even for me when this may have been something that I was afraid of; I have learned that adaptability has a way of pushing forth resilience. In my season now I am eager to take the steps as it’s an opportunity to trust myself a little bit more.
What does it mean to pivot? What does this look like?
To pivot means to change direction and more or less switch gears to what you have believed to have been your thought-out plan initially. When you allow the pivot there is stretching that happens during the process that will teach us that even if we have to take a detour, rewrite the plan, or reset some goals they are still attainable. Pivoting tests our adaptability, commitment to ourselves, and dedication to the process in whatever phase of life we are currently in. While this looks different for everyone the process and progress vary as a result, this is why we mustn’t compare our stories to others. We can hone in and get clarity on our goals and intentions while finding out if this is truly the path for us to take while embracing changes along the way. When we embrace the pivot, we make room for new opportunities, lessons, and we bet on ourselves. It’s a process that takes courage and when we lean into it, we can discover new layers of who we are and our capabilities.
I have now found myself in a place that is requiring me to pivot in some areas. When I started this post, I was speaking about the attitude of preparedness. I had no idea the narrative would change to me being in a position of having to pivot. At first, I was too stunned to speak and then I cried, on many occasions because I’m not a fan of curveballs. Then, I laughed at the timing of the scenario as it was impeccable I wasn’t planning to pivot here as it wasn’t in “my cards” if you know what I mean. I’m all for change but pre-planning is always nice for someone trying not to operate in perfectionism (major learning curve). I’m working on that it’s one of those “toxic traits” I have. But this process has allowed me to relax a bit and just embrace what is taking place and truthfully lean more on God than myself.
When things are out of your hands they need to be put in God’s; simple.
Truthfully though, if I’m being honest, it’s not so simple because our words tend to speak louder than our actions at times, let’s reflect! (Intermission for reflection). We become so focused on the end goal, how we want to write the story, and how we should look that we don’t realistically prepare ourselves for the reality of the happenings of life. Unfortunately, we don’t get to have control over everything all of the time. One thing my Mama has been reminding me all the year is that “life happens” [inserts side eye] respectfully sometimes you just don’t want to hear it, but because my last year has been full of change, adulthood and other things I understand that you have to be in a firm place. I’m grateful though because that constant reminder has kept me grounded just like the fact that things always work out no matter how they look to me because of God!
I encourage you to take a chill pill, settle and rest in the fact that it’s all part of the journey and embrace it. You can do this!
Xo. Tee