V: The Refresh Button

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I’m pretty sure it’s evident we’ve I’ve been MIA.

In the last few months, I’ve given myself a second look. I’ve been offered a different perspective. Granted, it hasn’t been easy. Not at all. However, I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. In fact, I cling to the notion. Surely, surely, there has to be some good in every obstacle we face.

One resident once told me that life is like a puzzle. It is only when we are done that the picture comes together. I’d like to think that as I enter a new chapter in my life. If this chapter had a title I suppose it would be learning to let go. Hitting the refresh button.

A leadership coach once told me that we are constantly choosing our own narrative. It certainly makes you stop and think, doesn’t it? What narrative am I living by? What narrative am I giving myself? Armed with this question, I knew I had to change my narrative. I was burned out and it showed. It was reflected in my weight, my work, and the mountains of clutter that were seemingly inescapable.

I’ve recently moved and have been making steps towards the narrative I envision for myself. A healthy one. A happy story. In doing so, I’ve learned that I’ve clung to the past. No really… the piles and piles of stuff are more than enough evidence. Turns out, research conducted by Yale School of Medicine found that the brain activates pain when letting go of items we feel connected to. In doing more investigating, I learned that we associate objects with memories and that by letting them go we feel as though we lose those memories. We create a plethora of “dysfunctional thoughts.” “What if I need this?” “Maybe I can use it one day.”

I knew I had to learn to let go in order to move on and truly embrace this new chapter. And I did. And I am.

Turns out it is a process that will probably continually evolve. I’ll always have to keep my narrative in check. However, given the right support, I know I’m moving in the right direction. I’m back and ready with a refreshed perspective.

…. Besides, there is something to be said about the phrase, “Collect moments, not things.”