Transitions + Transformations

Embracing the messy parts

I don’t know what the weather is like where you are. For us in San Diego, winter continues. It’s been cold, wet + gloomy for quite some time. Something we aren’t used to in these parts. I find myself caught between the urge to ‘spring forth’ + the urge to ‘curl up by the fireplace’.

Do you feel that? Is that spring fever?

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THE MESSY MIDDLE

I saw a post on Instagram this week using the analogy of a kitchen clean out to describe her menopause transition.

You know that feeling when you start a cleaning project - whether your kitchen cupboards, bathroom cabinets, closet or garage - you pull everything out, ready to clean, sort + rearrange.

And then…

There is ALWAYS that moment somewhere in the middle when you throw your arms up in frustration or despair - What was I thinking? How am I EVER going to get through this?

I have that same feeling with any creative project. There’s always the messy middle.

You start off really excited about the potential change or creation. Clearing things out. Reorganizing. Creating something new. You have a vision.

But then, it gets messy. You get overwhelmed by all of the pieces. Nothing makes sense. You feel like you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. It’s taking longer than you thought. You just want to walk away from it all.

Know what I’m talking about?

Of course, every time you push through + get it all put together again, you feel SO good! You are so proud + so glad you didn’t give up. No regrets.

Transitions are like that. They are messy. It’s just part of the process. You have to let things fall apart so you can put them back together.

It’s scary. Overwhelming. And - it’s okay.

What emerges on the other side is always worth the effort. The accomplishment. The transformation. The beauty.

Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

I remember reading about butterflies + learning there is a stage in the cocoon where the caterpillar completely turns to mush. Did you know that? The caterpillar doesn’t just go into the cocoon + grow some wings. It goes into the cocoon for a complete + total transformation.

That’s some crazy stuff! Messy! Magical!

So - whether you’re itching to start that spring cleaning project or you’re facing a big life transition or maybe you are already knee-deep + totally overwhelmed in the messy middle - I just wanted to remind you, it’s going to a good place + it’s going to be beautiful!

Instagram: @gmosley_

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YOUR MISSION:

This week, I challenge you to embody the messy parts. Be the mush. Trust the beauty that will emerge from this whole experience. It’s going to be better than okay. It’s going to be incredible!

Are you working on anything that feels messy right now?

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RESOURCES:

• READ: The six stages of everything you want | Brass Ring Daily

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IN SUMMARY:

I love noticing patterns, cycles + stages. They are everywhere. The seasons. The tides. The moon. Life itself. Sometimes when I find myself stuck or overwhelmed, I just take a moment to recognize the stage I’m in + to remember it’s just that. A stage. Just like the clouds hanging over San Diego - the sun + stars are shining brightly up above all of it. So, until the clouds pass + the skies clear, I’m hanging out in my cocoon enjoying the mush.

See you next week?

Meanwhile - you can read thru the archives here. And, please reach out to me anytime!

Email: karen@becounter.com
Instagram: @redefiningkaren

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