Roadblock
Today, during my daily walk through the fields of Racour, I suddenly came across a roadblock. A large "No Entry" sign with a bright orange detour arrow in front of it.
This sign, along with the crowd barriers behind it, blocked my usual route. It was strange to come across this obstacle right in the middle of a country road, with no sign of any construction work behind it that might explain why the road was blocked.
Instinctively, I took the path indicated by the detour arrow. After a few steps, I deliberately retraced my steps and stood directly in front of the obstacle. I took a moment to check in with myself and sense where I was meant to go. Then it became clear that my body was meant to follow the detour. I continued on my way, now aware that I wasn’t making my decision based on my “please” pattern, but was listening to what my body was telling me.
Bumpy road
This is quite symbolic, because the path I took was a sunken road strewn with cobblestones instead of the flat road I would normally take. My life’s journey—and my career as a therapist—is also a path filled with obstacles and detours. It’s not always the easiest, smoothest paved road, but rather one with cobblestones that can sometimes be quite bumpy. Not a straight road, but a winding and meandering path full of surprises and, now and then, disappointments.
However, this is my path. I don’t give up, and I’m a true go-getter. Even though it’s not always easy to follow my own bumpy path, and sometimes it would be easier to take the flat, beautifully paved path, I’d miss out on life’s surprises and the challenges that come with them. Trial and error—and sometimes jumping in puddles when the playful little boy inside me comes out. Letting that curious, open-minded attitude of the inner child shine through as I walk my own unique path.
And also daring to go back to the basics and the main path when I notice that too many side paths have sprung up. Back to basics. Back inward, to my roots, and sensing where my zone of genius lies, what comes effortlessly, and how I can find my flow again when I’ve temporarily lost it.
One's Own Path (Inward)
Ever since I was forced to stay home for 7 days at the end of January due to COVID-19 and couldn’t work, it has become clear to me once again how important these moments of self-reflection and contemplation are. This is something I want to make more time and space for. To feel where my heart and passion lie, where I can still grow, what I can let go of, and where I should focus (more) my attention. To live even more in alignment with my desires, and to continually challenge my “please” pattern and limiting beliefs so that my own wise path becomes ever clearer in all its beauty and imperfections.
On my way home, this was confirmed by a tractor with a trailer full of fragrant manure that passed me. For me, this was confirmation that I can give my own path—and the seeds I’ve planted along it—some extra fertilizer so that they have every opportunity to grow and bloom to their fullest potential.
Do you recognize this?
- How do you deal with obstacles that come your way?
- Do you let your head, your heart, or your gut make the decision?
- Do you give yourself enough time and space to figure out what feels right for you and what you can let go of?
- How do you follow your own path?
- And how do you give your passions the nourishment they need?
I'm curious to hear your story.
