Moving Beyond the Analysis

It's been a while since I've sat down to write.

The last  week, I was under the weather with a cold and the inevitable runny nose that always seems to accompany it. What I've noticed about myself over the years is that when I get sick, I don't just deal with the physical symptoms. I also get angry with myself.

It's an odd reaction when I think about it.

Recently, I came across something actress Sanaa Lathan shared about feelings. Feeling them.

Fighting them.

Fixing them.

Numbing them.

Analyzing them.

Sitting with them.

And maybe, eventually, letting them go.

As I reflected on my own response to getting sick, I realized I tend to get stuck at the analysis stage. Perhaps even over-analysis.

I start asking myself questions. What did I do wrong? Was I not getting enough rest?  Didn't I drink enough water? Wasn't I doing all the right things?

There is a frustration that comes from feeling as though you're checking all the boxes and yet still finding yourself in an experience you would rather avoid.

But I am learning something important.

Life's experiences are not personal.

Sometimes, despite doing all the "right things," we still have to walk through an experience. Not because we failed. Not because we were careless. Not because we somehow attracted the wrong outcome.

Simply because we are human.

And being human means there are seasons we must move through.

I'm intentionally using the phrase move through because nothing lasts forever. Not the discomfort. Not the frustration. Not the questions. Not even the cold.

The experience comes.

The experience teaches.

The experience passes.

Thankfully, I am on the mend. My energy is returning, my head is clearer, and so is my perspective.

This little episode has reminded me that next time, I don't want to spend so much time analyzing. I want to move more quickly toward sitting with what I feel, accepting what is happening, and trusting that it will pass.

Perhaps that is the invitation.

Less analysis.

More acceptance.

Less fighting.

More allowing.

To feel what needs to be felt.

To learn what needs to be learned.

And then, gently, to let it go.

Peace and Blessings