Making a Decision

We all have times in our lives when we need to make a decision about changing the course of our life. This past week, I made a decision to leave something I have been doing for the past ten years and leaving myself open to new possibilities. It has been a something I had been thinking about for quite a long time. I was hesitant, conflicted, and my inner thoughts muddled.

Years ago I was with a cohort of folks who used the work of Parker Palmer for personal and professional renewal. It was a multi-year program in which we came together for deepening our self-awareness and renewing energy to live and lead with authenticity, integrity and courage.

As I was trying to find clarity in making a decision I forgot about William Stafford’s poem, “The Way It Is.”

There is a thread you follow.

It goes among things that change.

But it doesn’t change.

People wonder about what you are pursuing.

You have to explain about the thread

But it is hard for others to see.

While you hold it you cannot get lost.

Tragedies happen, people get hurt or die,

And you suffer and grow old.

Nothing you do can stop times unfolding

But you don’t ever let go of that thread.

I forgot about just holding on to my own thread. It leads me. I just have to trust it and hold on to it.

Thank you for reading.