No One Promised You a Rose Garden

I have known for long time that the creative journey to self-discovery is not an easy one. That it is the path less traveled. Knowing it and experiencing is not the same thing. The highs and lows, periods of of great productivity and periods of mere survival is common for those who seek greater self knowledge, a deeper spirituality and an unconventional life. There are, of course, many days of cruising along and just enjoying the scenery.

Based on recent conversations and correspondences with friends, I have noticed that I am not the only one experiencing some of these emotional swings from high to low and everything in between.

There are days I feel so light and free, so filled with love and joy that it feels as if a rainbow has burst forth from my chest. All is right with me and the world.

At other times, I sit alone and shivering, seeking refuge beneath the towering, Great Redwoods, having been caught in an unexpected rain storm. Nothing is right with me and the world.

There are periods of great productivity, when my energy has no bounds, I bound out of bed before dawn and stay up well past sunset. Then there are days I can barely drag myself out of bed well past sunrise.

Re-reading Tama Kieves, “This Time I Dance”,she reminds me that it is all normal.

Two minutes after you make your grand entrance into a bold new life, don’t be surprised if passion and anticipation give way to a divine sludge. It’s like the second you fly the coop, you land in this vat of emotional pea soup

If you seek to grow, you will experience growing pains.

But, I am learning that there are ways to ease the pain, but still move forward.

The creative journey to self discovery is more than just trudging along putting one foot in front of the other. Whether you are learning to climb a mountain or learning to fly, there are things you can do to help you on your journey.

Be prepared. Know in advance there will be trials and obstacles to overcome, fears and old belief systems to work through.

Have the right tools and equipment. This can be a combination of many things, a therapist with whom you can confide and work through temporary blocks; a supportive friend who will listen when needed; a support group of friends and acquaintances on a similar journey; inspirational books; outlets for you to express yourself-exercise, writing, dancing, cooking, drawing, singing, prayer, meditation, painting, etc.

The strength to carry on. Strength comes from deep within us in times of crisis, but it is also something we can build. Like training for an athletic competition, we start where we are and build our strength and endurance every day by training. The creative journey to self discovery is the the same. You build inner strength and endurance by continually inching forward.

A reason why. Without knowing why you have embarked on this journey, you will more than likely give up when the storms roll in. Knowing why, and embracing it, will allow you to survive and thrive when things get difficult.

Courage to move beyond your fears. Building your strength and knowing why you are on this journey will help give you the courage you need to continue. Courage is not acting when there is no fear, courage is taking action in the face of fear. Courage comes from the heart. And, the fact that you have set out on this great adventure, this creative journey to self discovery, already proves you have a great heart.

As I remind myself, and you, remember ‘no one promised you a rose garden‘, no one said it would be easy. But, it is an adventure of a lifetime.

Leave a comment and share a part of your journey.