When one door closes...another door opens.

This saying reminds me to embrace change-allowing the unimaginable to be welcomed and never feared. We know that being uncomfortable with change is normal. Finding peace in an ever-changing reality, especially one we may never expect...this is the hard work. I believe it takes two important ingredients to find this peace: faith and surrender.

When the world feels like it’s piling life on top of me, instead of feeling smooshed, I shift into a sense of what I can control. Becoming aware of what is not in my control has proven to be the hardest practice. It’s a constant, daily effort-one I sometimes have to remind myself even exists.

We have karmic patterns within us, yet we also have the ability to shift them. I think of it like riding a wave-sometimes up and sometimes down. Many times it feels like far more down… but then something happens, almost like a slap in the face. I suddenly realize a deeper meaning in what’s happening. A shift in perspective, or maybe a subtle message from something bigger than me, reminding me where my energy truly belongs. It’s amazing to realize that there are burdens we don’t have to carry. That realization brings immense freedom. For me, I’m not sure what I’m giving it up to... maybe that’s the point. It’s impossible to fully understand, and that’s why it’s called faith. We simply have to believe.

My mom always told me, “When one door closes, it allows another to open.” A positive and uplifting metaphor for life’s turbulent turns. This is life-turns and tumbles, countered by rainbows and butterflies (sticking with the metaphors for a sec). She goes on to say that what I may perceive as a negative change could actually open the door to an opportunity that wasn’t possible before-something brighter and more aligned.

With our busy, overstimulated lives, ruled by doing and technology, it takes slowing down to recognize the beauty in a short walk, snow resting on tree branches, or a stranger’s smile. We become so overstimulated that these simple pleasures pass us by unnoticed, brushed aside by the next email or text message. Instead, I practice introspection, self-care, and meditation. Resting the mind allows other parts of my existence to come to the party, and they offer a great deal of wisdom.

This new year, I invite you to refocus your resolutions. Allow the mind to shed fear-based thoughts of lack or self-loathing. Bring awareness to the abundance around you and manifest (dream) about what makes you feel good. Soak in it. Feel it around you. Move into a space of gratitude. This will attract like energy, and before you know it, the old heavy door will close and a shiny, bright one will unfold right in front of you. Maybe it’s already there, waiting to be opened.