Navigating Big Life Decisions
I’ve recently been navigating some bigger life decisions around where/how/with who I wish to spend this next chapter of my life.
It’s been challenging but also a gift to be able to re-evaluate some of the decisions I had made a long time ago that no longer feel as aligned with my intention of a heart-led life.
If you’re standing at a crossroads and feeling like you’re a little stuck in muddy waters without a clear path forward, here’s a few things I learned as I navigated through my own process:
1. No Decision Will Ever Feel 100% Right:
I used to create an enormous amount of pressure on myself to find the ‘RIGHT’ answer. I’ve learned that there isn’t a ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ answer, just different paths. Also, I find that we put added pressure by viewing decisions as permanent, when in reality we always have choice available to us.
2. Mental re-frame: Decisions-making is a PROCESS not a sudden stroke of insight.
It can create momentary doubt in me when I read / hear people say “I just knew it was right” or “I just knew he was the one”, because that’s truly not how my or most people’s decisions feel. So I call BS on those comments - yes, it may be a momentary feeling, but it’s certainly no predictor if something actually is ‘right’ long term.
3. No amount of mental reasoning (or pro’s and con’s lists) can tell you how a decision will feel until you’re living it.
With this in mind, I believe it’s often worth giving things a shot or looking at smaller steps to test the waters. We tend to regret the chances we didn’t take, not the ones we did.
4. Name the Fears…
Doubt and fear are part of the process, uncomfortable emotions are not signs that this path isn’t for you. Bringing the fears into the light and hearing them out has been key for me. Sometimes, old wounds prevent us from experiencing a situation clearly and this is usually when it’s good to do some deeper work around it.
5. Align with Guiding Values:
Does this choice bring me closer to or further from my core values? (Adventure, connection, community, growth….?) Which needs may be met and which may be at risk?
6. Trust in Heart Wisdom 💛
In my experience, the heart often knows what my mind is still questioning. It takes time to separate between the layers of mind/heart/instinct/intuition, but there is always a deeper knowing there. Get still, ask yourself the question, and listen if something arises deep within you.
7. Limit Outside Advice.
I’m cautious about whose opinion I ask for on what subject. Often, just talking it out with someone who listens can help you find your own clarity.
8. Seek Support.
Work with a coach (like me -hi!). The number 1 reason people work with me is to find clarity in their life, often during times of transition when they’re wanting to see a more clear path forward.
Sending you love on your path.
Always rooting for you,
