You may have noticed. There’s been a big gap between my last blog and this one. What a perfect metaphor!!
For months now, I’ve been literally living in the Gap. Last December, I ended one phase of my life (my business partnership) but to date, haven’t begun the next phase (still being determined).
However, instead of forcing things into focus, I decided to consciously Surrender. Allow the future to unfold at its own pace, in its preferred direction.
This is not a tact I’d normally take. I’m a go-getter kind of gal. Surrender, to me, had negative connotations, something to be avoided by anyone with any ambition. Or at least that’s what I thought…
…until I began interviewing women who made millions. Making millions was my new goal, and the idea for my next book. In the course of those conversations, however, I stumbled on a startling revelation.
Every woman I interviewed experienced a sort of limbo, or ‘time-between,’ just before she started making millions. They all described spending somewhat lengthy periods in the unknown, tolerating (though not enjoying) the uncertainty, allowing things to fall apart without rushing to put them back together
I saw how these Time-Outs served an essential role in their eventual triumphs because they used them, as one woman put it, “to regroup and come back stronger.”
These Surrender Points were often precipitated by an outside event—anything from a painful loss to a life threatening illness—though sometimes, the women themselves deliberately chose to step off the grid. I much preferred to follow in the latter’s footsteps… surrender and regroup–by design, not default. It’s been quite a ride!
I intend to use my blog, at least for a bit, to explore this whole notion of surrender, share my experiences with you, and most of all, hear from those of you who’ve done something similar.
I’m beginning to think it’s time we stop avoiding the void.
March 13, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Great to see you posting! YES to surrendering! I talked about it in my post this morning as well.
March 30, 2010 at 10:50 pm
I’d LOVE to read your blog where you talk about surrender…I’m heading right over. Thanks, sweetie xo
March 13, 2010 at 6:17 pm
Barbara,
I think you’re onto something. Could it be that we need what those spring bulbs require? Incubation before the beautiful flower!
March 30, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Love your analogy, Pat. It’s perfect!!! Yes, incubation is required for all creative acts, including birth! Thanks for your comment. B
March 19, 2010 at 3:26 am
Barbara,
I just read your newsletter and love what you wrote. I fight those periods when it feels like nothing is happening, but I’m working on it through meditation and being mindful. Practicing these things gives me pause and time to reflect. Thank you. Kristina