“Good things take time, as they should.”
-John Wooden
I’ve been reflecting on the past two weeks and how dramatically different the first week was from the second.
Two weeks ago, I was sitting in the very same gray chair I’m sitting in now (I love this chair, I nursed both my babies in this chair) researching, reading and learning all about the job I was about to interview for. I had multiple webpages open and notes on paper and on my computer. I also had a lot of anxiety about how it would all play out. Writing during that time frame really helped me process my feelings and thoughts.
Then, I had the interview and wrote a little bit more. Shortly after my last post, I was at a loss for words. It’s been about ten days since I last wrote anything and that time has gone by quickly. I wondered why I had so much creative fuel the first week and none the second week. Then I saw a meme on Facebook that said “give yourself time”.
Give yourself time.
I have always heard the quote “good things take time” and also “give things time” but I hadn’t yet heard it expressed in this way. This other version felt empowering, strong and nurturing. It also felt like my choice, like I was taking back my ability to decide and choose how I was using my time and energy.
Give yourself time.
Job applications, buying a house, bidding a sorority, applying to college … all of these things have one thing in common: you make the first choice, but the last choice isn’t yours.
Here’s how all these things play out. You search and search until you find a good fit. Then, you apply/put in an offer/bid and then you wait. The first choice is yours, but the last choice isn’t. Regardless of whether that college is your dream school, there is a chance they won’t admit you. That job may check all the boxes, but in the end, someone else may end up with that business card. You may be a legacy at that sorority, but until you get chosen too, you aren’t in. And your dream house? Well, that could very well go to that family down the street and not you.
Give yourself time.
This idea is fascinating for so many reasons. You find what you believe to be a wonderful fit. And, unless they feel the same, it almost doesn’t matter what you think/feel/believe or even want. Until they choose you, you aren’t in.
It’s been about two weeks since I interviewed for this job. It’s been almost a month since I was called and invited to apply. And it’s been almost two months since I submitted my application. The old adage good things take time may perfectly well apply here, but lately, I’ve been choosing to give myself time.
Give yourself time.
I’m giving myself time to process what it would feel like to go from being a stay-at-home mom to a working mom. I’m giving myself time to envision how my business would look tucked into the little nooks and crannies of my day. I’m giving myself time to understand that even if I had a full workload, it is vital for me to also carve out self-care time and time with my family. And, of course, I seriously wonder who will do the grocery shopping and laundry!
Give yourself time.
I’m also giving myself time to not think about it at all … to browse for new books at the library (currently reading The Artist’s Way and A Complicated Kindness) … to play with slime with my kids … to take naps … to go to yoga … and to write.
At the end of the day, everything takes time, whether it’s good or bad or in between. So instead of letting things take time, give yourself time to be, feel, process, nap, write, play, read, laugh, and love, because no matter what the outcome is, it truly will be a powerful experience that will continue to shape your perspective going forward. And that, my friends, is always a win.
Whenever you are facing a transition of your own, just remember, give yourself time.