Rules and boundaries in life, work, and play are very important. It gives us direction and parameters, keeps things organized and safe, supports outcomes and expectations. Anyone that knows me is aware of my adherence to rules and love of organization. I owe a lot of where I am today to planning, organization and repetition. But what happens when you go a little rogue.
The last few years for me have been a time of evaluation and exploration. Looking at the way things are versus the way they could be. You’ll note I didn’t say should be because no one knows the future and who knows if what you had envisioned is right for you at all. However, what if you did this instead of that? What if you went right instead of left? There was a time I would not have considered those options. But what about now?
I’ve decided to make a few changes. Some of these changes have been a long time coming and what I call “heart-driven” changes. Shifts in life that are made to bring you more in line with who you were meant to be and new experiences that push your boundaries and open your mind.
As a person that always followed the life rules, I did okay. But sometimes, I wondered if I was really a part of it, really living life or just getting through it. When you start to ask those types of questions, it’s pretty evident that you are not really living life and it may be time for a change. I mean, why would you question it if you were happy and felt you were where you were meant to be?
The next step is getting curious about why you feel that way. Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but you’ve talked yourself out of it because you needed to follow the rules? What would be the big deal if you did things a little differently? It might even be exciting. If you take the chance and step out into that new space, you may find yourself wanting more. Is that what’s holding you back? You may go a little rogue? Well, test the waters and find out. There is no right or wrong scorecard to tally up.
Taking this message to heart, I started to approach all aspects of my life from a different perspective. Nutrition, movement, relationships, and career. I've made changes and great strides in all of these areas. Part of this new approach was doing things out of my comfort zone like new selfcare regimens and seeking personal illumination from non-traditional practices.
One of the new selfcare practices I found was Float Therapy, sometimes referred to as Sensory Deprivation. Just you in a completely silent room, floating in a pool filled with 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt (naked by the way), letting all the cares of the outside world melt away. The good people at Paradise Float Spa (https://paradisefloatspa.com/) have been wonderful in helping me assimilate to this new practice and it's been amazing!
Regarding non-traditional practices, I really thought out of the box and went from Feng Shui and aromatherapy, all the way to herbs and crystals. My husband thought I was going around the bend, but I think I was looking for a connection to nature as another part of my journey. This search led me to STROB Apothecary (https://www.strobapothecary.com/) and their wonderful selection of herbs, teas, crystals, and oils that rounded out that piece of the puzzle. Such gifted healers and committed practitioners to the natural art of healing and balance. I now have my bracelets, pendants, and selected stones around the house. When I look at them, it reminds me of nature and reminds me that I'm making my own rules.
So, what would you do if no one was watching? Go on, get creative with it. I’m looking at horseback riding this Spring. Wish me luck!
In the current economic climate, it could be quite scary for many of us to take too many new risks and I understand the hesitancy in making a rash move, standing out in a crowd (floating naked anyone???), or rocking the boat. But we should not sacrifice our need for deeper meaning, purpose, or personal growth to please others or fulfil an external or self-imposed obligation that does not support our wellbeing. Small steps will always get you where you are going.
Lately, these quotes have been rattling around in my head. They are…
If you don’t go after what you want, you will never have it.
If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.
If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.
These statements are so true, and they also have an air of rule-breaking about them. They go against the conventional wisdom that you should wait your turn, bide your time, and don’t make too much noise. It’s such good advice because nothing is lost from acting on them and the possible outcomes could be far more fantastic than you imagined. So, change, bend, or break a rule here and there. Step out of the corner you have painted yourself into and walk out of the room into a great big world that is waiting for you to shake things up a little bit. You don't have to color in the lines. Making the decision to do things differently opens endless opportunities for you and others.
Very often it's a little change we make in our behavior, a boundary we push or an out of character decision we make that gives us a glimpse at what could be and empowers us to want more. I've done well in my life by following the rules but I'm old enough now to bend a few of them without being afraid and I’m pleasantly surprised at the results.
I won’t be leading police across any state line car chases or participating in any international scandals, but I can see myself breaking a few more of my past self-limiting rules. Maybe it’s not going completely rogue, but you gotta start somewhere!
Been playing by the rules all your life? Finally, ready to shake things up a little and see what lies outside the safety zone but need some support in taking the first step! Let’s talk about where you are, where you would like to be and build a plan to get you there.
Have you broken out of your shell to become the person you knew you could be or just done something so cool you want to share? Leave a comment below to let us in on it to encourage and support others! I can’t wait to see what you all have been up to!
Did you enjoy this post? If so, I encourage you to like it and share it with someone you know that might benefit from this message.
Take care and be well,
Courtney
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