Breakdowns can create breakthroughs. Things fall apart so that things can fall together. – Anonymous
When one of my kids had a birthday party we wanted to have an activity to have some fun that we could all enjoy. I bought a beautifully decorated piñata that had lots of colours. During the party, we all had a turn, adults and kids alike to have a go at breaking through the hard shell of the piñata. Of course, we really didn’t care too much about what was in it, because we knew that whatever it was, it would be good. It was more about the challenge of getting to break it. So as each person had a go there was cheering and encouragement with every swing. And when one of the kids broke through it, there was a big roar and applause and all the kids went crazy picking up all of the lollies that came out of it. There were smiles all round. I guess that’s why we have piñatas at parties!
If we were to consider cracking open our mind, just as we do the piñata, what goodies could we find in there? What if we were to keep banging away and keep at it, what would we discover for ourselves?
When working with clients that have had some form of breakdown in an area of life, I have noticed that if I ask them an important question about it and they don’t immediately know the answer, they quickly reply with “I don’t know”. I remind them that they need to take time and keep searching in their mind. They usually still come back with “I don’t know”. So, I ask them not to rush and trust that the answer is in there. I tell them to keep digging. After some time, the answer arrives and there is a sigh of relief and then there is the smile. There is no big roar or thunderous applause, just a peaceful happy smile. They found what they were looking for.
Slow down and Don’t Rush
When we feel lost or confused about something that is important in our life, it is crucial that we slow down and take time to think. Being busy all the time is a sure way to stop any possibilities of breaking though. Don’t be in a hurry. Being hasty doesn’t allow for openings and creativity. Allow time for thinking and keep digging. When people are under pressure they generally reach for whatever they have done before. They look for a safe or ‘tried and true” answer. As a result they can end up on the same road or same old paths and into the same old problems. Don’t allow yourself to be hurried as you may surprise yourself with the ideas and opportunities that await you.
Believe and trust that you have the answers
The goodies are all there in your piñata mind. You have all the answers and no one knows better than you. Believe that the answers you seek are in there and it’s just a matter of cracking the code. It could take days, weeks or even months. That’s OK. Keep believing in yourself. Never let a boundary to get in the way. Never let anything close your mind down.
Listen to yourself and others
The value of listening cannot be overstated. We are consistently reminded of the importance of listening and how we should listen to others. What about listening to ourselves? Listening to yourself and not allowing for distractions to get in the way is important. Take time away from the busyness of life and all of its distractions. Take a long bath, go for a walk or take a trip away. As well as listening to yourself it’s also very useful to talk and listen to others. I believe that everyone you talk to can bring you learning opportunities that can bring about breaking through your old patterns of thinking. By listening to the ideas of others, you can pick up whatever you think may be useful.
Begin anywhere
So, you have cracked open the piñata and you have found some goodies, and then what? The next step is to go out and do something. You must begin somewhere. There may not be the right time or place to start. The best place to start is right where you are now. If you keep waiting for the right time to begin on your quest, it is a sure way to keep you stuck. New ideas arrive unexpectedly and they will come to you as you keep moving. Learn to be alert for any good ideas and opportunities that may come along. An idea or opportunity you don’t listen to, may very well be the best one.
A few years ago, after 30 years of being in the workforce, I was advised that there was no longer a place for me in the company of where I worked. I had been made redundant. I found myself lost and confused. I knew how to find work, but I wanted to do something else in my next chapter of career, however I had no idea what I wanted to do next. During this time, I would walk every day and think. I stopped listening to music on my walks and I would just be with myself. I gave myself plenty of time to think. I believed that I would eventually find my new career. I came up with some great ideas and I thought I would just get out there and talk to other people and listen to their ideas and experiences. It was a comment by a dear friend that started a chain of events that has lead me to where I am today.
I found my new chapter and I am enjoying my goodies.
A breakdown can be the beginning of a new journey to breakthrough to something bigger and brighter. Our breakthroughs are filled with possibilities and opportunities and this is the gold that comes out of our own mind.
