“Looking back to the past is like driving your car using only the rear view mirror — eventually you will lose your way and crash.”
A lot has changed in all of our lives. In many cases, where we live, how we live, our jobs, our health, our relationships, our financial situation have all changed dramatically. While there is a great deal of stress, tension, and pain involved with these changes, they also have provided us with a powerful lesson about ourselves — provided we are willing and receptive to it. Many have called this period in our history as the great reset — where we have been forced to adjust our lives to a more realistic and responsible way of life and of living. There is opportunity in this period in our lives. The question is — are you embracing it?
Change, especially when it is forced upon you, is often difficult to embrace. When we decide to do something and make a change, we are more likely to anxiously and excitedly look ahead to opportunities in front of us. However, when we suddenly and ferociously find ourselves tossed into the middle of a massive shift in our lives, finding the silver lining is not always easy. And, it is the midst of this chaos that we often try to find ways to re-create what we loved or enjoyed previously. Unfortunately there is no rewind button in life.
Everything in our lives is based on today and is moving forward to tomorrow. Life is all about progress. Our lives are like driving a car. When we get in the car we often know where we are going, we know how we plan on getting there, and we have some idea or expectation about how long the trip is going to take. Getting there means facing forward, looking out the front windshield, putting the car in drive, and hitting the gas. The only time we really need to use the rear view mirror is to back up in order to move forward and to see who is behind us in case we change lanes. You never drive your car to your destination by driving in reverse and looking in the rear view mirror. If you have ever tried this before, you will notice it is very difficult to get anywhere safely or quickly.
Our lives in the midst of this great reset is very much like being behind the wheel of a car. We may not have planned to take a trip or journey at this time; but, you have put at the wheel anyway. You may not know where you are going just yet; but, you will figure it out very soon. And, you aren’t sure how long you are going to be on this particular segment; but, if you think about it, you will have some idea once you decide it is time to move forward toward your redefined destination.
As you start to consider what has taken place in your life — all the changes and challenges — the first thing I would encourage you to decide is what you need to do to get moving forward in a positive direction. This decision is based on the criteria of who you are, what energizes you, and how committed you are to define and determine the next direction in your life. Once you decide on the direction you plan on heading in, define how you are going to get there, and how long you expect it to take. Then, put your life in drive, hit the gas, and don’t look back. You cannot anticipate any of the challenges or obstacles that may slow you down; however, if you are clear on where you are going you will get there. Have a fantastic journey!
