You’re Wilderness
Your Wilderness.
What do I mean by that? The notion came to me a little while back, and it won't let me go.
I guess I mean, the raw you. The original. You without the extras. You before you hit up against some hard edges and, to fit in (or survive) you made adjustments that changed you. Regulating. You added layers, effects, color, walls, drama, intrigue, and yes, lies. You distanced yourself from that authentic, unedited, original version of who you were.
Not that it might not have been necessary mind you. Sometimes these adaptations are really for the better. Improvements.Growth. I’ve made many of those changes and am very glad I did! But I’m not talking about those alterations.
I’m talking about the acclimations you made (we all do it) to get along. Messages and encouragement received, beginning in our youth, as to a more “regular” or “acceptable” way to handle yourself or exist.
“Do you remember who you were before the world told you who you should be? She’s still there. Go after her.” -Erica Layne
Have you spent any time lately thinking about her? Him?
In his beautiful and award winning book Where the Wild Things Are, Maurice Sendak introduces us to Max. A little boy whose mother calls wild thing. He is sent to his room (on a time out) where he imagines his wild side.
“Let the wild rumpus start.” Max proclaims. And all of the animals in his imaginary kingdom “roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth” Almost a symphony of freedom of expression. Deliriously uninhibited. Max tames them, and then returns home.
In times of struggle, wrestling with discontent, there is often a chasm where we have deviated from our innate wilderness.
These experts agree:
Erica Layne also goes on to say, “Sometimes it takes a sense of dissonance, disconnect or tension for us to realize what our true values are. This, although unsettling, is a gift—-a call to realign our lives with our hearts.”
Your wilderness.
I invite you to gather some stillness, and travel in your mind to a place where you can access your unique wilderness. What did you once dream of? Indulge in the scenery. What do you see? Who do you see?
Let the ideas flow. Have the courage to ignore the excuses, and just be with this wisdom. Acknowledge that bit that still speaks to you, even after all these years.
There will be good information for you there. Pay attention, take notes. Like intuition, that wilderness has always been there, and it knows what’s true for you. Listen to it. You can find clarity and purpose there.
“The world will tell you how to live it you let it. Don't let it. Take up your space. Raise your voice. Sing your song. This is your chance to make or remake a life that thrills you." -Shauna Niequist
Let the wild rumpus start!
I invite you to bring your observations to me, on a complimentary discovery call (click below) where we can mine through and plot your next steps.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become truly who you truly are.” -Carl Jung
From my client:
“I was going through a life transition, and was looking for some ideas as to directions going forward. Working with Anne, we were able to look at several different areas. She is a positive and encouraging coach as well as a good teacher of concepts. She has a grounding ability to show me new perspectives on many topics, and I found my footing.” - Rosalind