Embracing ebbs and flows

Fluctuations are part of our daily life everywhere we turn. We may lose or gain weight; our workload may be more or less than we know how to handle, and our bank accounts might be full one day and in the red another day. Ebbs and flows come and go; it is a law of nature. However, we may not always embrace them equally and struggle, especially during the ebbs that have a way of indicating a lack.

Our brains tend to focus on the negative. This is a primal survival function, also known in psychology as the “negativity effect,” that is supposed to keep us safe by attuning us to threats. Unfortunately, loathing negative thoughts of not being enough or not having enough turns us into victims. This state of mind feels uncomfortable and, if sustained over time, robs us of energy or, even worse, might lead to depression.

I personally feel that I have experienced an extended period of an ebb. My return to Europe has drained me of energy and resources. The first few months were full of obstacles, bureaucratic hurdles, and setbacks. Still, as a professional coach and a self-declared optimist, I do not allow my thoughts to interpret a temporary situation as a life sentence of bad luck. I utilize the tools I have learned to embrace ebbs as an opportunity to recharge and prepare for the next flow. Here are some tips I’d like to share with all those experiencing their own ebb:

Remember your “why”

If you are going through major changes, remember what made you initiate that change. Something in your soul was yearning to align with your purpose, destiny, and values. Reconnect to that, and you will gain extra energy to keep moving toward your vision.

Practice gratitude

Research has shown that when we focus our minds on everything we have, we are happier and healthier and invite more good things to enter our lives.

Rest

An ebb is an invitation to rest. It is impossible and not sustainable to constantly perform. Give yourself permission to recharge your batteries, and don’t judge yourself (or let alone let others judge you) as unproductive or lazy.

Envision your future

Create a vision board or write down what you want for your future self. Focus on the success you are going to have and how that will feel like. Having a powerful vision will make believing you will get there easier.

There you have it! A roadmap to get you back into the flow.

After having accomplished some major milestones, I feel that the tide is rising. I have moved into a beautiful apartment, and my furniture will finally be here soon. I am focusing on my health and well-being and rewarding myself with a mini vacation to Spain in May. I have regained my strength to now focus on living my vision of a happy, healthy, and abundant life in Europe, one with extended flows.