Rigidity is the inability to be changed or adapted. We are all a little bit rigid. We love our routines and most of us thrive in highly predictable routine based environments. Routine creates structure. When we operate within an existing structure, we don’t have to work as hard at choosing what to do. Structured life has more certainty and less uncertainty.
Get up, get the kids ready for School. Drop them off and go to work. Do your job, talk to your work mates, all in a familiar environment. Ok so not all jobs are like this. But you get my point right. Even jobs with reasonable levels of uncertainty provide structure.
What happens to you when all of this disappears suddenly? Initially its natural to be surprised, shocked, sad, disappointed and all of the things. We all have expectations about how are lives are supposed to be and we get used to how things are. We have adapted our minds and bodies to cope with our existing environments, structure and routines.
So when these change dramatically, our ability to adapt is called into question. We must find a way to address any thoughts and emotions arising from loss, in whatever form it has presented. We need to accept that life as we knew it before, has reached its conclusion. While that journey has reached its end, a new journey has begun and you are in the drivers seat.
It’s natural to have thoughts and feelings that place doubt on the new journey. After all you are in unknown territory and it is full with uncertainty. When this occurs reach out for the things that ground you. Spend time with good friends. Indulge your hobbies or passions if you can. Get curious about new things.
In times of great change, your mind is flexing its mental muscle. You have turned on”adapt” mode and its time for an upgrade. This is the moment you can get a Great Leap Forward. This is the moment to discover new passions, new people, new ways to spend your time. Your mind is more open to change and that means you are about to level up. In “letting go,” you get to move forward with what you need. You can choose to remove behaviours or patterns of thinking that no longer serve you.
Many of us will choose to re-establish routines as soon as possible and that is ok. This may mean taking on a new job that ties up your time for example. Some of us will reflect on life and attempt to design a future based on personal values or the pursuit of meaningful purpose. Either way you are going to be ok. Try and lower your expectations. The road to happiness requires less than you think.
Whatever you decide or need to do, know this… someone or something needs you and you are magnificent.
