Discover the power of perseverance and determination on the journey towards change. Take the first step towards a brighter future
Navigating the Tunnel of Change
I’m going to start out by saying Change is not easy.
I was recently talking to my daughter about some changes she is making to get closer to her future self.? I’m very proud of her. She has been on this journey for a short amount of time and immediately ran into some obstacles.? As we have been talking and exchanging text messages, I made this statement.? Change is like stepping into a tunnel with no light.??
It is, in a word.? Scary!??
There are a lot of things you just don’t know.? Fear of the unknown is very debilitating. There’s a quote by Cliff Lerner that says “Fear of the unknown is a destructive force. It causes people to make suboptimal choices by avoiding that fear.”
You have so many questions and doubts.?
How long is this tunnel???
What’s on the other side?
What if there is danger in there?
What if I can’t make it?
Is it even worth it?
Making purposeful changes can be intimidating. We never know what lies ahead in the unknown tunnel. It could be full of obstacles and pitfalls, and it could even be filled with low-hanging stalactites that must be navigated.? (full disclosure I had to look this word up.? I didn’t think a low hanging thingy in the cave would work.? Here is a picture, I took while in carlsbad caverns with my wife.)
Carlsbad Caverns Photo by Major Williams
W
e tentatively step into the tunnel. Probably step out a couple of times before committing to entering the tunnel.? The first thing we notice is the darkness and the loneliness of the tunnel. We can’t see anything, recognize anything, or have any idea how long this tunnel is.?
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This article's purpose is to tell you to take the next step. Look ahead and don't be afraid to take it. Though it may be dark, you have the power to create a light at the end of the tunnel. How do I know this? I have done it. Writing articles and sharing started out as a dark tunnel. Now it is an open field of possibilities.?
Besides, you created the tunnel. It was created by your desire to be a future version of yourself. To be who you want to be. How you want to be. Living in purpose. It is on the other side - take the next step and you will find the light.
You may run into a pit or two, some low-hanging stalactites, or even a big elephant blocking your path. But don't worry. If you keep taking step after step, making some adjustments, and backing up a couple of steps to gain some perspective, you can overcome any obstacle. And if you run into the elephant, don't forget to check out this article on how to eat an elephant! Just remember to stay in the tunnel and keep stepping forward.?
As you journey down the tunnel, you may experience some truly remarkable and amazing things. On occasion, you may realize you have packed too much baggage and will have to drop some in order to keep going. But don't be discouraged, as you may find some material to create a fire, giving you a source of light to see even further within the tunnel. What's more, when you spark up the flame, you may even find someone ahead of you. Call out and they may be able to provide you with the next couple of steps, as they have already been through it before. With their guidance, your steps become bigger, bolder, and faster as you continue your journey.
And then you see it, you start seeing a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel, and you can feel relief and excitement wash over you. Your steps become bigger, bolder, and faster as you start to anticipate upcoming obstacles and create a plan of action before you even reach them. With minimal effort, you overcome each obstacle and look back to see someone else in the same position you were in before. You call back and provide them with the steps to get past their obstacle and continue on their journey. Now, you are moving forward with hope and determination, ready to conquer whatever comes next.
Then you make it…You arrive at the end of the tunnel. It is nothing like you thought it would be. But it doesn’t matter because you are your future self and there was really no way for you to completely predict who your future self would be.? Because you have not been there before.
You take a moment to bask in the sunlight. Enjoy the moment.
Then you see it…
The next tunnel…?
Until next time…