Life works in mysterious ways.
Messages that we’re supposed to see or hear can make their way to us. Sometimes we need to see it or hear it a few times for it to land. I tend to need to be smacked in the face with them a few times! That’s what happened this past week.
Yesterday, I was sent a message (kind of like a ‘thought of the day’) by a friend who’s in recovery.
“Sometimes it’s better to just let things be, let go of the need to control and your expectations of how you think things should be. Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path. Life is better lived when you don’t centre it on what’s happening around you and centre it on what’s happening inside you instead. Work on yourself and your inner peace. You don’t always need a plan, you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens.”
As I read it, I paused. I reflect back on the past 7 days.
Thu 17th: On a morning run, I listen to Aidan McCullen’s podcast interview with Bobby Herrera. It resonates massively. Not least, towards the end, they talk about ‘going off the beaten path, that’s where all innovation takes place’.
Go off the path to explore.
Later, during a 1:1 exec coaching conversation, we’re chatting about how we can use our breath to manage our state. He tells me about a programme called Limitless on Disney + with Chris Hemsworth. I note it down.
Breathe.
Fri 18th: Immersive Coaching Day…Paul Gleeson and I take a group into nature for a day. Paul takes us off the beaten path as we hike in the Dublin mountains. We use the terrain and the exercise outdoors as a metaphor for our reflections, challenges and opportunities. We quieten the mind and tune into the body. We have some solo reflections and group discussions before swapping cold-water exposure and saunas to finish off. At the end, the collective theme is that our bodies, minds and nervous systems feel rested, renewed and are thriving.
Off the beaten paths…breathe.
Sat 19th: Ciara and I watch the first episode of Limitless. Chris Hemsworth overcomes a fear of heights and walks out from the top floor of a skyscraper along a steel beam. He uses his breath and self-talk to manage his stress and anxiety.
“You just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens.”
Sun 20th: I head to Dublin airport mid-afternoon. I’ve a big two days ahead of me in London. I’ve got a good bit of prep to get done. After 5 hours of delays, the flight gets cancelled. No other flights were available the following morning to get me there on time. The trip is cancelled. Gutting, but whatcha gonna do?!
“Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.”
Mon 21st: An unexpected day working from home. Ciara’s delighted, as her workload had moved into warp speed since Friday. Having me around is a serious bonus for her.
“You don’t always need a plan.”
Despite the disappointment of not making it to London, I still feel that calmness from Friday’s outdoor experience. I decide to work from bed with my feet up for the day as I’ve no client calls (and the Dublin marathon is less than a week away). Nice treat for the tired legs. With extra time on my hands, I cook a nice dinner – happy family!
My new client in London sympathises with the stormy flight situation and we reschedule for two week’s time.
Nothing is lost.
Tue 22nd: Another day getting ahead of schedule with some work and being around to help more at home.
“Life’s better when you don’t centre on what’s happening around you and centre it on what’s happening inside of you instead.”
Wed 23rd: I chat to Pat Divilly having applied to take part in his latest programme. He shares the schedule and unfortunately too many of the online touchpoints, group calls and in-person events clash with work and family priorities.
I notice myself feeling ‘gutted’. Then I remember, this too shall pass. We discuss his future plans and it’s clear to us both that there are other options to explore.
When I hung up, I re-read the message that was sent to me. Here it is again.
“Sometimes it’s better to just let things be, let go of the need to control and your expectations of how you think things should be. Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path. Life is better lived when you don’t centre it on what’s happening around you and centre it on what’s happening inside you instead. Work on yourself and your inner peace. You don’t always need a plan, you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens.”
I collect Edie from school and take her for a swim in Sandymount. It’s her first sea swim in a while, she’s nervously excited about the cold. I dive in. She’s at the edge. She braces herself. She ignores my countdown and closes her eyes – she concentrates on her breath, kind of like Chris Hemsworth.
In she goes, she’s in heaven.
This wasn’t a good week because of what happened around me. It was a good week because of what was happening inside of me.
It’s not always this way. Believe me, it can often be VERY different. I don’t always prioritise myself or my mindset in the way I did this past week. Sometimes, even when I do, it doesn’t work out the way I’d hope. Life isn’t that easy. As Bobby Herrera says in the aforementioned podcast, that’s ‘the gift of the struggle’.
Last Friday was a big help. The podcast, Limitless, the messages received and writing this have all helped too.
“Work on yourself and your inner peace.”