Welcome to the Big Wide Unknown

These words came to me recently, and I didn't realize how appropriate they were for more than just me. Recently, two friends of mine were laid off from from their jobs. Neither were happy in their old positions, but both had many reasons why they felt they could not yet leave. Can you relate? Both got the push... They were caught up in the recent sweeping layoffs of the tech industry. Now comes the challenge. Suddenly exposed to the elements in the Big Wide Unknown, what do they do? They have an opportunity to fully re-create thier happiness. What does it look like? I'm curious to see.

I am in this stage too... I am starting this reiki practice. Will anyone come? So far my only customer has been my boyfriend. Yay him! I am starting this process art studio. I am excited to share something that I truly love doing with others. Will they love it enought to pay me? Is this even what I am supposed to be doing? What about all of the volunteer work I have loved to do? How does that fit into this.. I don't know... I can't see it.

I have this big insurance fight I am going through that could affect me financially. I am scared, and frustrated about it. I feel like it isn't fair. I am fighting, yet feel powerless. The negativity can overwhelm everything.

I am sitting in the Big Wide Unknown.

In truth, we are all in the Big Wide Unknown every day. We may think the pattern is set, and maybe not comfy, but it is known... Just like my friends, with one phone call, it all changes. What do you do when you come face to face with the Big Wide Unknown?

Here are some things I have learned (my list is really long... I will keep it to three items right now):

1. Keep life in perspective. Example: This insurance thing is frustrating. Yet, as I sit here and write, my boyfriend is getting me fresh coffee, one dog is snoring in my lop, another dog is at my feet, in my warm beautiful home. Wow, what a lovely morning!

2. Build your gratitude practice, and keep at it. How? Every evening I make a list of three things I am grateful for from my day. The rule is, I must find three new things, specific to the day. This keeps it fresh. Also, if you want a little help (shameless plug coming), Linda teaches a gratitude circle every second Thursday at 6pm in the.

3. Take 5 minutes for setting intentions in the morning. Write them down. This physical act does more to put your intentions in your body than anything. Intentions are written in the present tense, (no writing I will do X, also no I want Y). If there is something you want to stop doing, look at the other side of the stick, and write what you want to do instead. Here are examples:

   1. I get up and move my body. (as opposed to: I don't eat like shit today)

   2. I enjoy the suprises of my day.

   3. I learn and am curious about my motorcycle wiring.

   4. My process art class is a success

Now it's your turn. What is your Big Wide Unknown looking like? What are you grateful for? What are your intentions? I would love to hear.

(photo: My Boyfriend! In Los Cajas National Park Ecuador Mar, 2022. His first time above 14,000 ft elevation)

Copyright 2023. Tania Nowell