With so much change going on in the outside world and in my inner world, I am choosing to focus on the rainbows in my life instead of fixating on the clouds. What does that mean? For me, it’s choosing to step out of the rabbit hole sooner rather than later. And, maybe one day, I will see the rabbit hole and choose to go around it.

I have been reflecting on some of Pema Chödrön’s quotes:

• When we resist change, it’s called suffering.
• Be kinder to yourself. And then let your kindness flood the world.
• You build strength by embracing the totality of your experience, both the delightful parts and the difficult parts.

Then there’s the quote below; it seems so obvious, doesn’t it? I wonder how often I have yelled instead of paying attention to my heart.

• If someone comes along and shoots an arrow in your heart, It’s fruitless to stand there and yell at the person. It would be much better to turn your attention to the fact that there’s an arrow in your heart.

Expanding my perception of my life is helping me focus on the rainbows. I give myself an eagle’s-eye view instead of the narrow focus I sometimes have with my human eyes. I am choosing to feel every feeling that arises instead of only the “good” ones. As Pema reminds me, “it’s through embracing the totality of experience” that I am building my inner strength.

Are we not reminded by many who have come before us that anything that is worth doing isn’t easy? Tony Robbins says, “All growth comes at the end of our comfort zone.”

I am choosing to step out of my comfort zone (the soft, puffy clouds) and embrace growth through the brilliant colors of the rainbow. I hope you’ll join me on this adventure and continue to be part of this Chi Tribe. I know with every fiber of my being that this growth will be because of the love and support we give to one another. No one, I mean no one, can do things alone. We are meant for connection, and for that, I say thank you with all my heart.

Now, you may be wondering: do I know exactly how this growth will appear, meaning the how? And my answer right now is no; I am simply letting the universe know I am ready by embracing change, visualizing, and feeling how I want to feel in this next chapter of my life.

I would also love to share an invitation with you about connecting. Please ask your friends for help when you are going down your rabbit hole. Call them or meet them for coffee therapy. Maybe you just need someone to listen to or another perspective. Give your friends the opportunity to give back to you. And for those strong friends in your life—you know who they are—check in on them. They are sometimes the ones who will not ask but could really use your support. If there is one thing I know, it’s that we are all here to help one another.

Until next time, let us remember:
“You are the sky. Everything else—it’s just the weather.”
~Pema Chödrön

May we all embrace the weather without trying to change it or give our precious energy to it.