The FOG
Usually, I can see the lighthouse when I walk down near the water. This morning though there was a deep, enveloping fog when I looked out the window. I know that even if I were within 20 feet of the lighthouse at this moment, I would barely see it, with zero visibility of the water, the boats, the birds, or anything else. The fog blocked my vision and clouded my day. I was left in a pause, reflecting.
So, a decision needed to be made – would I go back to bed, pull the covers over my head, and call the day a washout? Would I choose to lament this day as a big waste of my time and avoid it completely? I realized quickly, though, that I had a virtual meeting starting soon, so I muttered in frustration and dragged myself out of bed to reluctantly get ready for the meeting.
As I got a couple of steps down the hallway, I realized however that the thought of the meeting was not so bad after all, and I could deal with it. I would do what I needed to do to prepare for the meeting, focus on the subject at hand, and contribute enough even with the fog still thick around me.
Logging in to the meeting, I found that several colleagues had difficulty getting through. My focus immediately shifted from me to them – I wanted to help them be successful and it made me feel good to do so. I lost track a little of my own contributions though as the meeting went on.
Then it suddenly struck me that the meeting subject provided an opportunity to think about a challenge in an entirely new way. Even in my assistance to these others I saw that there were chances to do something completely new and exciting - a path forward full of new potential and new opportunity to learn, more aligned to my vision and purpose. I was exhilarated! How could I reach more people to help them? How can I make sure we can find each other?
As I finally looked back out the window, the fog had burned off and the sun was shining. I felt at peace and in full synergy with the new direction my thoughts and actions were taking me. I was grateful for my present space and the power the journey today had given me. I was not quite ready to shed all fear just yet completely and totally, but I realized more clearly how my thoughts aligned to pull me up out of my own personal fog and be the light source for my renewed vision.
What has been your reaction on the days the fog hits in your business, career, or life? What is the guiding light of your purpose trying to clarify for you? Contact me to discuss.
