The Space Between

                 Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.

Raymond Lindquist

For various reasons, we need to make adjustments to our attitude, or situation, or issues with others.  For our own mental health, we are encouraged to eliminate all that weighs us down and to welcome all that lifts us up.  This, however, is a process.

Transitions are successful when we take our time, carefully extracting people, habits or responsibilities in order to start fresh.  What is difficult is the space between letting go of the familiar and waiting for the new to arrive.  Even though we no longer desire the old, it still may feel more comfortable than standing in a void waiting for change.  Even when we invited the new in, it may not be comfortable for awhile as we are not yet used to the comfort of the calm or joy. 

We gather the new to us over time. We don't just get one big special delivery.  Like all good things worth waiting for, we are called to have faith, be patient, and to trust.  We take baby steps with great awareness so that we don't simply duplicate what we had before. 

Changes or transitions are very difficult processes, but they can also be fun and creative.  In order to facilitate this, one has to be in touch with themselves so they are crystal clear about their unique desires and individual needs. 

So when we find ourselves wanting change, we need to prepare for the transition.  Get deeply in touch with our inner feelings and become acutely aware of how we want things to be.  By using our imagination and careful planning we eventually discover ourselves living with the rewards.