On May 1st, I realized it has been one year since I began leading the Santa Barbara Symphony. While I have a practice of living each day in the present moment, fully aware of my choices, this anniversary snuck up on me.
Like so many of you reading this, the pandemic has shown me that two (or more) things can simultaneously exist.
Time is a funny thing. It is as evasive as it is concrete. It can contract and it can expand. It speeds up and slows down.
Today, I found four quite different quotes about the passing of time. As I reflect on this past year, they all seem to resonate with me – see if any speak to you and how you are thinking about coming out of the pandemic. Which ones resonate with you?
“Time flies over us, but leaves its shadow behind.” – Nathaniel Hawthorne
It’s been a challenging year. I’ve listened to leaders reflect on how quickly time has passed (in hindsight), and that it may take a while to fully recover. We can already see “emotional residue” as offices begin to open back up and there is a hesitancy in some to return. Whatever you are feeling, it is normal. Give yourself time and go slowly if that’s what you need.
“Time is a brisk wind, for each hour it brings something new.” – Paracelsus
For those of you who spent the past year leading organizations, this quote was literally what was occurring as government protocols and thus our plans and scenarios shifted hourly. I’ve had the opportunity to observe how differently leaders and organizations respond to the same information. You can respond in fear, in possibility, in love. The “right” path forward is one that creates the impact you are meant to achieve, in the way that aligns with your true nature. Isn’t that exciting? Each new situation reveals how much we each determine our own reality and circumstances.
“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” – Andy Warhol
Yes! Always! We have learned so much this past year. Now, what of the past 12 months do you want to change in the future? What do you want to leave behind vs bring forward? For my clients going through The Career (Life!) Breakthrough Academy, they’ve made life-changing shifts as they changed their thoughts and assumptions about what is and is not possible on topics ranging from salary, work load, dream jobs, self-advocacy, ageism, productivity, professionalism, work-life balance, and more!
“Time flies when you are having fun.” – Albert Einstein
As we curate lives of joy and impact, holistically integrating all the “parts” of ourselves, and cultivate a practice of seeing the gifts in front of us in each moment… there is an ease and a flow that is created. Momentum builds, and time flies. It’s a wonderful feeling!
REFLECTION PROMPTS:
- What were you doing 1 year ago, today?
- What were you feeling, deciding? What did you think was or was not possible?
- How does that compare to where you are now?
- How does that make you feel about the passing of time?
As always, I love hearing from you and knowing how YOU are mindfully curating the life and leadership scenario of your dreams.
To your success,
Kathryn
Next Chapter Coach
Creator of The Career (Life!) Breakthrough AcademyTM
P.S. – This time of year can be challenging if you’re at a Crossroad Moment, trying to figure out what to do, what is possible, what you (really) want, and what you should do next. If this is YOU or someone you know, I’ve opened up times on my calender to get on the phone for a confidential call.
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