My pet tarantula, Sofia Suntiger, is a little more than a year old and has molted five spectacular times. She disappears into her burrow for a couple of weeks and each time, I worry that she is dead. But then suddenly she emerges, looking shiny and new, fluffier and much bigger than before. (If you'd like to see photos of her exuviae, which I've been keeping like a proud mama who keeps baby teeth, reach out to me and I'll happily share them!) She is quite vulnerable during the first few days since her exoskeleton hasn't fully hardened. It also takes time for her to regain her strength after this taxing ordeal.
It is incredibly exciting to witness this and I can't help but think of the parallels to our human lives.
Transformation is never pretty.
It is MESSY, often painful, confusing, and scary.
Yet, when we emerge, all shiny and new, we are stronger and more resilient. (We cannot, however, partially re-grow limbs like a tarantula can, though how cool is that?!)
Like Sofia, we are initially vulnerable. During times of transformation in my life (including right now...), I've definitely needed to use more discernment about who and what I allow into my bubble (hello boundaries!). I'm more sensitive to criticism and judgment during my times of intense growth.
Laura Lavigne, one of my coaches and mentors, refers to a similar concept as "cotyledon", the tiny, vulnerable sprout that is full of potential but also still very fragile. Maybe it's that new business idea you have, that program you want to study, or that person you want to date. Be mindful of who you share your cotyledon with, as not everyone will treat it with the care it needs.
Also, be gentle with yourself - always but especially during times of intense personal growth, transformation, or transition.
I am sending you love, and wishes for Ease & Support during whatever is present for you today.
~
As always, if you're ready for loving encouragement and skilled support, let's plan a quick chat to see if we're a good match for Happiness Coaching or virtual/in-home organizing via my Simplify Home Organizing team. :)
P.S. Be on the lookout for my next post with a bunch of tips and resources for better SLEEP! This keeps coming up in sessions so I sense that we are collectively sleep deprived at this point. Let's work on that.
Resources
What I'm Reading:
He created the Functional Health Coach program I'm doing, and has made it his life's work to change the paradigm of healthcare from "reimbursement-based sick care" to a model that supports true health and vitality. If you or someone you know works in healthcare, this is a must-read.
What I'm Listening to:
This podcast conversation was absolutely fascinating. I imagine that much of my work once I'm a Functional Health Coach will be related to these topics. Connection, social support, and a sense of Belonging are vital to us humans.
Here's a short excerpt: "Social isolation, essentially loneliness, exceeded the health risks that are associated with obesity, physical inactivity, heavy drinking, air pollution, and smoking 15 cigarettes a day."
This new podcast, hosted by Ownership Coach, adventurer of the subconscious mind + queen of sass (and my totally badass friend!), Danielle Gertner, is an unfiltered, safe space to inspire you to own your sh*t, celebrate all of your humanness and have some fun in the process.
What I'm Pondering:
I look them up each time I am faced with the complex emotion of grief and find them to feel comforting and validating.