Baby Steps....

We all know that patience truly is a virtue.

We all go through times where our patience is tested, and we are very likely to describe these times as "challenging." It is true, they can be trying and really test our character.

Instead of focusing on how challenging the wait can be, and how much I want the future to reveal itself, I've been focusing on the following quote during my current period of transition.

I started my journey to massage therapy last Summer, with baby steps, when I went for a school tour. I knew nothing of what lay ahead, or exactly where it would lead, but still, I started moving forward.

Lots of feelings were brought to the surface; anxiety, nerves, anticipation, joy, sacrifice, strength, fear. Once the pace picked up I adapted and charged forward, trying to savor every moment, but also navigating through all of the challenges.

The whole time, that graduation date was calling out to me. Just stay focused and get to that date. Of course, it was a milestone, but it was only one of the things that needed to be accomplished. Next was the national exam. Check. Then, waiting for the state to process my license. Done. So, what next?

As a planner, I really like to know the next step and be ready to dive in.

As a planner, I felt like I needed to hit the ground running and have everything in place to get started. But, something happened this Spring as I was approaching the last couple months of school. Yes, I wanted to finish and move forward, but I also wanted to enjoy every moment with my classmates and teachers. I wanted to soak up every bit of knowledge and enjoy every moment of laughter with the friends I had come to know and love.

I stopped worrying so much about what was to come. I cherished all of the moments.

I thought about that quote, and it brought me peace. Of course there was still anxiety about the future of my business and deliberating over decisions, but I was able to stop, take a deep breath, and trust the process.

I also encouraged myself, and encourage anyone out there in a time of transition, to take the time to enjoy the uncertainty and slowness that we sometimes find ourselves in. After the intense schedule and schoolwork, I welcomed the time to just "be" for a little while.

Sometimes, stopping the momentum and just taking baby steps is exactly what our souls need. Breathe deeply, notice the things around you, and do what brings you joy.

As I write this, I still don't have a plan. I don't know where I will be working, or what it will be like, but I trust that it will all work out when it is supposed to.

So, for now, my humble little studio space in my home, where I can share the benefits of massage with my friends and family, and start to grow my business is exactly what I need. The momentum will grow, hopefully at the perfect pace, and I will adjust my stride.

Until then, I will savor this time and the peaceful feeling that accompanies it.