Life may be different than planned, but that just means we pivot!
To me, when I think of pivoting, I think of basketball and those good old day in the high school gym. You are in possession of the ball, heading toward the basket - you stop, and assess the situation. You pivot one direction and look for a clear shot or open space, pivot the other direction and look for an open player. You just keep pivoting until you see the best opportunity for success. (Without being called from traveling!!)
Wow – that sounds like today. Everyone is pivoting right now. Looking for that clear shot on goal. Lately our goal has changed, it is staying safe, healthy and productive while finding bits of happiness in everyday life. In these emotionally trying times it is hard to remember that the journey is as precious as the destination. You can’t rush that shot just to get rid of the ball, but savor the pivot pause as well. Open your eyes to see the treasures in every moment.
Right now, I am at that pivot pause – assessing my next move. Where is the clear path to the goal? I am done with chemo (yippee!!) and waiting for insurance approval to start a Parp inhibitor to zap the last bit of cancer and keep it at bay. It is a more targeted treatment in pill form aimed at progression free survival.
In this pivot time I am constantly searching for wisdom, little bits that you can find anywhere if you open your eyes and heart. Books, blogs, podcasts, etc., There are so many positive quotes on Facebook (once you weed out the crazy stuff), LinkedIn, and my newest source of inspiration is SGN. If you haven’t seen the show Some Good News (SGN) you really need to! Search for it on YouTube. I’ve found quite a few treasures there, and the feel-good stories always make me cry.
Recently Stephen Spielberg was on the show talking with a young fan, and in a nutshell said that when we are of service to our dreams it allows us to get over our fear, no matter the obstacles in our path. I know this is my rough interpretation of what he said, but think about that, it changes the pivot point doesn’t it – our dreams are not of service to us, we are of service to our dreams. (the definition of “service to something” is that you've chosen to engage without expectation of reciprocation.) Engaging in our dreams without expectation. Makes it very freeing now doesn't it!
I leave you with the last bit of wisdom from SGN – a quote from Oprah Winfrey: “Failure is an opportunity to move yourself in a different direction.” Hmm, sounds like a pivot point to me.
So, here is to embracing the pivot and finding that clear shot on goal!
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