Have you ever spent time putting together a puzzle? If so, how would you describe your experience? Would you say the process is frustrating, fun, and/or fulfilling for you? Why is that?
I'm someone who tends to like puzzles. There's something about bringing order from chaos and specifically, the satisfaction of locating a puzzle piece that perfectly fits with another, bringing the picture into clearer view, that offers me a sense of completion, relief, and I'd even say joy.
Sometimes, I wish life was more like an actual puzzle. I see myself longing to gain the clarity that comes from finding the exactly-right-next piece. But in my experience, life isn't really that clear-cut. In the land of being human, there are often multiple options that can create a wonderful future outcome. The “right” fit might simply be the best next step. And, often that's been the case for me. I've had to learn how I overcomplicate, overanalyze, and stress myself out in the process of change when I look for the “right” answer.
Now don't get me wrong. There are certainly times when we face a fork in the road type of decision. In those cases, weighing our options more heavily, inviting input and wisdom, and having a willingness to make a slower decision can help us make a good choice since the consequences (positive and/or negative) of that decision can have a lasting impact in our lives.
But sometimes, we need to move. Sometimes, we need to risk. Sometimes, we need to allow ourselves the freedom to make an imperfect decision and trust that we have the ability to make a different choice later, as needed. We do the best with what we have at the time and go from there.
If your experience is anything like mine, I imagine you've made many a leap without knowing what the picture looked like, and in the end, it was altogether right for you. I've been reminded again recently that life goes fast. I've stepped into more change in the past 25 years than I could have ever imagined and I've grown, gained, lost, and learned in and through the transitions. I can honestly say, I wouldn't go back and change a thing.
Why is that? Well, because what I didn't know, I now know. What I was afraid to lose, I lived through and became more connected, vulnerable, and stronger through the loss. What I thought I wanted to gain, I often found empty when I gained it. Instead, I celebrate the wisdom and experience gained through those experiences that have profoundly impacted how I show up today.
So here's to finding the “right” fit as we step out, take chances, and do the best with what we have. Let's celebrate the opportunities to grow and transform through life's changes. Let's face transition as an opportunity to see what we can become as we live bravely into what's next.