What to do when you meet your goals
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Reader, This was my view from my campsite in the Grand Tetons earlier this summer. In January I set the goal to go backpacking for my birthday in June. To reach this goal, I had to expand what I was capable of - physically, of course. But also, what I was capable of handling in my nervous system. There was a time, not too long ago, when I used to just collapse when I bumped up against something hard for me to do - whether it was physically hard or mentally or emotionally difficult. I would go into a deep freeze response. This could look like anything from procrastination to bed-rotting to binge watching tv. Part of the reason I wanted to set and achieve this backpacking goal was specifically to strengthen my nervous system resilience - to learn what I was capable of if I tend to my needs. And I did it! It was one of the most magical experiences I’ve had. Just look at the picture of our campsite! I definitely found out what I was capable of. And when I got back… I could not for the life of me get back into my routines. Not for work. Not for exercise or eating. Not for sleeping…nothing. In the past I would have spent a great deal of time beating myself up about this. Wondering “what is wrong with me?” This time though, I was committed to believing that NOTHING was wrong with me. When we expand - when we stretch into our growth zone - our system goes through a natural period of contraction in order to integrate the experience. One of the most detrimental things you can do in this period of integration is to berate yourself or try to push through the contraction. You are changed. The habits and patterns you had before the expansive moment probably no longer serve you. To continue with them without allowing your system time to integrate does you a huge disservice. I'm doing an email series later this month that will help you assemble your resilience apothecary - tools and practices to help you with the contraction and integration phase of personal growth. Because expansion is fun and all - but integration is where the magic happens. As a subscriber to this list, you don't have to do anything to receive this free series - you're all set. However, if you know of someone else that might greatly benefit from
you can direct them to this link to sign up for this free email series at the link in my bio. xoxo, Julie P.S. This series will culminate in an art focused Aftercare Kit Workshop. More details are coming soon! |
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