Several people have come to me seeking help with their anxiety and worry about the future. In times of upheaval, divisiveness, and transformation there is usually pain and worry. Let it come and let it go. Let what may come, come. Meet it with as much love as you can. Use your fight as a last resort, not a first response or to quell your worry. Worry is in the future, it hasn’t happened yet. So what are you fighting? Something that may or may not happen. Keep your warrior spirit alive and centered as you lead with love.
I find the following Taoist story very helpful; it’s one of my favorites.
There was once a farmer in ancient China who owned a horse. “You are so lucky!” his neighbor told him, “to have a horse to pull the cart for you.” “Maybe,” the farmer replied.
One day he didn’t latch the gate properly and the horse ran away. “Oh no! That is terrible news!” his neighbor cried. “Such bad luck!” “Maybe,” the farmer replied.
A few days later the horse returned, bringing with it six wild horses. “How fantastic! You are so lucky,” his neighbor told him. “Maybe,” the farmer replied.
The following week the farmer’s son was breaking-in one of the wild horses when it threw him to the ground, breaking his leg. “Oh no!” the neighbor cried. “Such bad luck, all over again!” “Maybe,” the farmer replied.
The next day soldiers came and took away all the young men to fight in the army. The farmer’s son was left behind. “You are so lucky!” his neighbor cried. “Maybe,” the farmer replied.
When we interpret a situation as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ or as an ‘opportunity’ or a ‘disaster’ it shapes the way we respond. How do you want to move into your future? The Taoist Farmer illustrates that we never truly know how a situation is going to turn out.
Know your values, stand tall and centered, and speak when your truth wants/needs to be heard, not with the intent to change someone else’s truth. Walk your walk, talk your talk and let it ripple out.
With love,
Suzanne
