“Faith gives you an inner strength and a sense of balance and perspective in life.” – Gregory Peck
I took a trip to New York this past week to visit family and friends. I also went back into the recording studio with my band, Coconut Donut. I was excited to take the trip. I was also nervous, and tempted to worry about how it was all going to work out.
When I started feeling worried, I found it was helpful to step back and take a wider view of the situation.
It is normal to experience some anxiety when moving through new and challenging situations. Even exciting things, that we have been looking forward to, are likely to bring up some sense of fear. Our mind is not able to perceive what is really going to happen in the future. It takes some version of faith, or conscious focus on positive outcomes if we are going to enjoy the ride.
My students are constantly facing new challenges, new faces, and new information. They are growing up and stepping forward into their lives as independent people. I learn a great deal about myself by observing them as they face the challenges that come up on their path.
Like the student who I worked with this year, encouraging him to take the steps toward his diploma, even when it seemed to be a far off possibility. From the outside it was easier to see the big picture and reassure him that everything was okay, and that it was all going along the way it was supposed to.
This wider view of life is not as easy to achieve for myself. Sitting quietly, meditating or reflecting on my life is one way that I find access to this wider vision.
Another way I am able to get a refreshed outlook is to talk to my wife, or my buddy, because they know me well and they are able to see more clearly what is going on around me. Things always turn out to be far better than my worried mind would have me believe, and hearing my friends reflect that back to me is priceless.
My trip to New York turned out to be fun, exciting, and successful. The music went well and I spent time with friends and family that I love dearly. Thank goodness I continued to put one foot forward, encouraging myself that it would all work out. As a result I was able to have a host of wonderful experiences that I might have missed out on if I let those narrowly focused fears stand in my way.
If you are feeling worried or scared about a project or relationship, remember to take a step back. Get a wider view of your situation. Make a list of all that is going well and all that you are looking forward to in those relationships and situations.
If it feels right, reach out to someone who can see the bigger picture and will encourage you as you move forward, one step at a time. In the end, you will be more than pleasantly surprised by the adventures you had.
Edward Biagiotti is the Inclusion Specialist for Culver City Unified School District. He is also co-host of the popular radio show, Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed, to find out more go to HYPERLINK “http://www.darrellanded.com/” www.DarrellandEd.com. Visit HYPERLINK “http://www.tappingintogenius.com/” www.TappingIntoGenius.com for more articles and a free, inspirational parenting download.
