119 | When the Challenges Feel Overwhelming
Hello beautiful humans,
This week has been a practice in riding all kinds of waves. Smooth waves of gratitude and joy, along with rough waves of overwhelm and doubt.
I had a wonderful opportunity to travel this week and go work as a production manager for a really beautiful gathering for four days. I got to work alongside incredible people, use my production and organizational skills, offer a high level of hospitality and care, as well as offer the gift of my music through song.
I came home tired, but so full and thankful.
And then, the doubts crept in. It's like the emotional hangover you get after accomplishing a big goal or the day after a project ends.
I came back encouraged, but I also came back to the overwhelm of all the challenges ahead.
I was honestly feeling pretty down today, and then I remembered something someone shared at the gathering.
On the first day, everyone––including those attending the gathering and those hosting––shared their intention for our time together, as well as a belief.
One woman shared,
"I believe that challenges are opportunities."
I was reminded of those words today, and it brought tears to my eyes. It was a simple reframing of the challenges ahead that suddenly instilled possibility and light back into my heart.
Such a simple, but powerful reminder, that in every challenge there is opportunity.
It doesn't mean you have to pretend what you're going through is easy. It doesn't mean you aren't allowed to feel lost or down at times. It means you choose to believe there is light at the end of the tunnel, and that everything will be okay.
I needed those words today.
Actually, come to think of it, the job I got to do this week is a great example! Due to severe injuries in my forearms, I had to step down from my previous job sooner then expected. I was suddenly unemployed. Huge challenge! But this made me available to take this opportunity as a production manager when it came along.
In 2019, I took an intentional step away from playing LIVE music to pause and reflect, but I wasn't sure how I was going to connect with people and keep in touch if I wasn't out there playing shows. This was the challenge that created space for the opportunity of coming up with the idea of writing these letters.
As I wake tomorrow and begin a new week, I'll be asking myself:
What opportunities are these challenges presenting?
What am I being invited to step into through these challenges?
How can I use my creativity to navigate these challenges?
Whatever challenges you are going through, I also believe there is opportunity for you there, and I am believing in so much good for your life.
Sending love your way,
Shel
P.S. If you missed last week's letter, I shared a new YouTube video I made titled "What Really Matters at the End of Life".
Cover Image by Christoffer Voss via Unsplash
