As we revealed new branding recently, I found myself considering the different milestones in my life where I realized I was making a pivot towards a fresh direction. The reflection took me to what the triggers had in common, how and when did I realize I had made a change to my heart and mind, and why. There are common lessons which keep repeating themselves with each version of “me”.
Common triggers. Outward Bound consciously puts individuals in high stress situations to trigger an evaluation of the priorities and principles one is holding closest to one’s heart. Others have talked about the same process, often with the clarity of an old writer; “You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.” (James 1.3) I know that I have an opportunity to take a fresh path with every moment, and yet, intense stress, conflict, pain, and joy often create an awareness of choice. My goal is to wake up every morning, realizing I have a choice followed by making it.
Pivots can be for positive reasons or for negative avoidance. I find it easy to forget the two sides to the coin of change. The immediate overwhelms my awareness of the emotional tsunami within. I easily forget my mature adult disciplines and revert to a young child reacting to the stimulus shaping my choice. It is only when I pause, slow my heart and mind down, and consider my values, priorities, and dreams, that the idea of reaching for the positive comes into focus. Avoiding the negative will empty the room of bad things, however, I am left with an empty room. Filling the room with contributions and living for community filled the room with hope, courage, and desire.
In every moment, you and I have a choice. I can choose to take action which contributes to making the world a better place, enriching community, and helping the person next to me. Alternatively, I can try to elevate my standing, increase my power, or simply have fun. Decision time.
