Waiting for a break in the storm

Here’s something I often remind myself: 

There are seasons when every day is a good day for an expedition. The height of spring, for example. It’s sunny, it’s breezy, and a bit of a burn feels nice in the legs. Go get ‘em, tiger. 

And then there are other seasons. 

In those seasons, every day will be a difficult day for an expedition. 

Amidst the swirling rain, the howling wind, and the blankets of snow…it will take all you’ve got to put one step in front of another. And even with superhuman effort, you’ll move slowly, sometimes backwards, get lost a lot, use up all your energy in the first half-mile… and get very, very wet. 

(Did I mention that you’ll get very, very wet?)

…

In those seasons, you have two options: 

1. Wait for a break in the storm.  
   Wait for a time when it’s not so swirly, windy, or rain-y. Wait for a time when you can take a break, and take some clear steps.
   
   Of course, this may not be often. In certain climates, at certain times of year, there may be days, weeks, or months where…it is honestly a terrible time to undertake an expedition.
   
   

2. Go anyway.
   You can always go outside, even in the worst of seasons, and start the trek anyway. That’s fine, too. But it will be a frustrating trek — just like it would be frustrating to wait inside for a break in the storm.
   
   

Honestly, all the options are kind of frustrating, in certain seasons. 

I think I’ll say that one again, because I need it, too: all the options are kind of frustrating, in certain seasons.

…

I don’t say that to discourage you. I say that to remind you: 

Spring will come again. 

Expeditions will feel good again.

Just not in this particular season. 

…

As always, I’m rooting for you. You’ve got this. 

Katie




p.s. I’ve noticed that this seems to be a moment for deeply considering one’s life — what do we want from our days? Are we moving in a direction that is truly right for us? If that’s true for you, coaching might be a useful source of support, inspiration, and direction. Here’s more information about working with me, if you'd like.

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