Find the Gift Already!

So here’s what I’m noticing.  Here in southwestern Ontario we’ve all been preparing for a major snowstorm — lots of snow, blizzard-like winds, freezing temps — the sort of stuff that makes the roads dicey to say the least, if not entirely undriveable (I know, it’s not a real word, but you get my point).  The sort of weather where it really does feel better to stay in your jammies, cuddle up under a blanket with a cup of tea or hot chocolate and just read a good book.  No matter how bad the weather, however, it doesn’t happen all that often that employers close their doors or reduce their open hours — after all, there’s stuff to do, work to be completed, etc; etc;.

Well, as circumstances would have it, our particular geographical area has had a few of these crazy-weather days in the last two months, AND our schools have actually been closed for 6 of those thus far, including today (5 were before the Christmas break).  Many services and business operations also closed their doors based on the weather which was sometimes predicted to be worse than actually transpired.  Which doesn’t really bother me; I’d rather have people be safe than sorry, and I know that we can only make decisions to the best of our ability with the information that we have at hand.

Here’s the thing:  it would appear that many people — actually, a LOT of people — cannot take the gift that’s been handed them, namely an unexpected, unplanned day to relax and rejuvenate, without griping about how they’ve got far too much work to do and don’t have time for this.  I know, I can be just as guilty of this sort of thing.  What I know for sure, however, is that the “work that has to be done” can actually wait.  Even if there’s a deadline attached, there really isn’t anything that’s indelibly carved in stone.  Deadlines can be changed, the world will not stop if a deadline is missed, believe it or not the sun will rise again — even if you stop and take the gift of this day and just go nurture whatever other aspect of your life needs to get nurtured.

I think the challenge in this is that those of you in leadership positions have got to lead the way.  You’ve got to be a model of working efficiently for sure, however, you’ve also got to model being relaxed enough to go with the flow, to trim your sails to match the wind, to show those following you that you can find the gift — the opportunity — in every situation and make the best of it.  This isn’t about being a Pollyanna; this is about taking whatever circumstances  you’re given, being grateful for it and embracing the gift therein, knowing that the regular routine will resume sooner than you realize.

Bottom-line:  I know you’ve got stuff to do, people to meet with, issues to resolve.  Let it go for a day.  Whether it’s the weather or illness or being needed by your family, quit griping about “having to stay home” and just do it already.  Embrace the gift of the situation — more rest, more family time, the opportunity to bake or meditate — and know that you’ll move on when you move on. Don’t look a gift-horse in the mouth — even when (especially when!) the gift-horse is the universe or mother nature.

Noticing, Allowing, Shifting

Woke up today with a real sense of restlessness.  Four hours later, and I’m still in that space.  Have tried to channel it a bit — clearing, purging, following up — essentially doing tasks that I tell myself need to be done, and that once done will alleviate the jittery feeling in my stomach.  And yet, the restlessness continues. So, what to do?

My sense is that, from a leadership perspective, restlessness is a signal of some sort.  What it’s signaling I have yet to figure out.  Is there something I’m forgetting?  Is there something needing my attention?  Am I sensing something in the energy “out there” that I just haven’t yet been able to name?  Or is it simply a signal to take a break and get out of my head?  I’m really not sure.  Each of these possibilities has resonance to some degree or another.  And given this uncertainty, it would be really easy for me to “get stuck” today — and stay stuck.  But I’m determined to not get stuck.  I’m determined to stay in the flow, the flow that has been so much a part of my experience of the last few days.

Now here’s an interesting realization; lines up with a “stick  flowing in the river” metaphor.  As I picture this stick, I envision it getting stuck along it’s route, likely between two rocks or something of the sort.  Being determined to stay in the flow, doesn’t actually serve it in getting unstuck.  “Stuck” is a real part of it’s journey.  So maybe, rather than trying to get unstuck, there’s something to be said for me in allowing the stuckness/restlessness as simply part of the flow, rather than contrary to it.  Maybe that’s what will ultimately shift the restlessness — allowing, rather than resisting.

That’s where I’m at in this moment.  Going to go allow the restlessness, even as I know my objective is flow.  It’s all part of the deal.  Moving with and through the restlessness is bound to take me forward.  time to stop resisting and judging, and start allowing and shifting — and ultimately leading.  This is good.