Challenged by the tension of change? When it comes to changing habits and mindsets, there’s a lot of tension. We fight it because we we’ve experienced failure and discouragement.
Most of us know what to do but for one reason or another are still unable to do it. It’s frustrating!
If you are like me then you are well acquainted with this precarious place of tension because standing in the gap of uncertainty is destabilizing. It asks us to be courageous while simultaneously being vulnerable. A difficult ask to be sure.
Even so, when we put all our efforts into controlling outcomes, we lose. We spin tight webs of expectation only to get caught in them. We would be wise to respect that control is just a shadow value. Nothing more and nothing less.
As we take a new approach to change and say goodbye to the habits keeping us stuck, we will be challenged by this dueling conflict of uncertainty and the discomfort it produces within us. And yet, holding the tension of uncertainty is vital to living a life of personal authenticity and impact.
Here’s why.
Even though holding the tension of opposites is a demanding discipline it is also very useful in learning how to navigate cravings and changing undesirable behavior in new and creative ways.
For example: holding guilt and forgiveness at the same time. Fear and courage. Doubt and hope. In this space of tension, our soul will work hard to find a resolution. Such contradictions ebb and flow along the ridges of paradox, judgment, and rationale. They bump into one another and size them up all the while trying to unearth a clarity we can count on.
There is an important gift to be discovered in the middle of the sacred space of tension. The value of this gift is found in its potential. Potential for more. More compassion. More growth. More of God’s character in and through us. However, it will require grit, optimism, and a steely resolve to endure discomfort.
We can stagnate in sameness and stay stunted in comfort or we can stand in the contradictions with compassion and curiosity. This is a transformative experience. By assigning value to both positions we honor mercy while making room for grace. In short, it is holding our expectations lightly.
Holding the tension and trusting God to lead us in the way we should go level-sets our next steps. Adopting this mindset can change how we live out this next year. And if we put this principle into practice, it will change how we live out the rest of our years and the legacy we leave behind.
“Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:4)
- What do you do when you don’t know what to do?
- Do you believe it’s possible to hold the tension of fear and courage?
- How can holding expectations lightly allow room for growth?
Consider holding the tension of opposite emotions long enough to allow revelation and growth.
Prayer is just a conversation with God. Talk to Him today about what needs to change in your life and how to hold the tension of discomfort this may cause.
Be bold. Be brave. Be free.
Dori
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