Turning Speed-Bumps, Roadblocks and Detours into "Signals"
By Sharon Marquart
Remember the last time you took a road trip? With your bags packed, car loaded, map, laid out on the front seat, destination circled, you anxiously anticipated your arrival. Suddenly, you ran into a roadblock and the blaring orange detour signs took you off course. Did the disappointment change your attitude about your well-planned journey? Did you feel frustrated as your “best laid plans” hit a snag?
The same disappointment and frustration can happen to us as we move toward a goal in life. I want to help you reframe the speed bumps, roadblocks and detours that happen in life to empower you to see them as “signals” rather than deterrents.
Speed bumps – A speed bump is a small ridge in the road that limits your speed and cautions you to slow down. When you hit a speed bump on your journey through life, let it be a “signal” that you are to slow down, become aware and pay attention. Maybe there is something you are supposed to notice that will answer a question you’ve been asking. Maybe you need to be present to receive directions or information you will need to know in the future. Maybe you are the one who has the insight to share with someone else and slowing down to notice them is important.
Roadblocks – A roadblock is a barricade that stops your progress. It often means there is construction or danger ahead. When you hit a roadblock on your journey, let it be a “signal” there is something you need to reconstruct. Maybe you have an old belief that is no longer helpful for you to hold onto. Maybe it’s time to clear out the accumulated “stuff” in your life. Maybe your map is outdated and it is time for redirection.
Detours – A detour is a diversion from a direct course.
When you are driving and are instructed to follow a detour, you are redirected to your destination. Taking this redirection gives you the opportunity to experience different scenery. When a detour presents itself on your life’s journey, let it be a “signal” that you are headed for the perfect destination via a different route. Pay attention to the experiences that come your way.
Recognize the synchronicities that happen. Remember you will arrive at your designed destination; you’re just getting there by following a different path of direction that wasn’t originally in your game plan. Pay attention to the people you meet, the new experiences you have, the “scenery” you see. They all serve a purpose and have a specific reason for being chartered on this new path.
By practicing the technique of reframing, you empower yourself to use all the experiences in life as signposts along the way. When you hit a speed bump, are stopped by a roadblock or are sent on a detour, remember to reframe. Let your frustrations remind you to pay attention to the “signals.” Ignoring or fighting against them will throw you even further off course. Listening to these “signals,” will cause you to redirect, refocus and resume the right path on your life’s journey.
PHOTO: danthedoc.blogspot.com
Another great one Ellen! I might just stop over to see you all at 12:10 to see if you're really finished with your meal. haha. If you are I want to see all those full faces :)
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