Lifeline

Issue 11 Your Lifeline
The Dragonfly Dilemma Today, as I was at a client's office, I was looking out the window (18 stories up) and saw a dragonfly clinging to a rope. The windows were being washed on the building, and he was holding on for dear life to one of the lines. I could not help but think, how in the world is he going to get down from here – isn't the wind current way too strong for him? And then I had to stop and wonder, how did he get up here in the first place?  Well I don't know about you, but I have found myself in a similar predicament several times in the last six months – in a place where the wind current seemed way too strong and I felt rather overwhelmed. I, like this dragonfly felt like I was holding on for dear life.  As the ropes began to move for the window washers, this little guy just hung on like he knew it was his only hope. At the same time he seemed to be preparing himself for what it would take to get out of this crazy situation.   Then at precisely the right moment, as though he knew just how long to hang on, he effortlessly let go and flew away. Like a pro. Eighteen stories seemed of little consequence. When to hold on and when to let go? So what about me? Do I know when to hang on to what seems like my lifeline and when to let go so I can fly further?  We often feel like our circumstances are going to have to change in order to get out of this alive or sane, but really it is not as much about the circumstance as it is about us taking care of ourselves in the midst     of it. In order to make crucial decisions, particularly in times when we have	allowed things to spin out of control, we need to learn to listen well to ourselves and to others. Sometimes this can be as simple as stopping for moment and allowing ourselves the space to calmly think through our options, rather than rushing forward with decisions which are often driven by anxiety or fear.   The dragonfly strategically used the rope to take the time necessary to rest and to prepare himself, so he could let go at the best possible moment.   Are there areas in your life in which you are currently feeling out of control or overwhelmed? If so what are they?     What would you ideally like each of those areas to look like? Write these ideals out and review them regularly.    What resources (ropes) can you tap into to give you the strength you need to prepare to move ahead?  How will you put one of these resources into your life in the next week? When I take time to review my circumstances, I am often surprised to uncover valuable resources and possible solutions that had not previously occurred to me. The adrenaline of feeling overwhelmed and out of control can blind us from answers that are well within our reach. Take stock of your circumstances this week. You may be surprised at the hidden ropes that are at your fingertips.  Your partner in discovery, Louisa Louisa McCullough Success / Life Coach 404.272.2316 Louisa@bydesigncoaching.com www.bydesigncoaching.com  You can unsubscribe or manage your subscription using the links below.
ByDesign Coaching, LLC