Things That Have Been Slowly Sinking In
The last few months have felt strangely pivotal — full of lessons, shifts, and moments that seemed small at the time but stayed with me afterwards.
I’ve always believed the Universe gives us gentle nudges in the right direction. And when I say “Universe”, I mean whatever that means to you - Faith, trust, a higher power, God, timing. Something quietly working behind the scenes, not necessarily in dramatic, life-altering ways - more often in subtle ones.
A conversation that lingers longer than expected. A plan that falls apart. A period of exhaustion you can’t ignore anymore. A version of yourself that no longer quite fits.
There’s a saying that people come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. I think experiences are probably the same.
Some are there to change you permanently.
Some are there to teach you something briefly.
Some simply arrive at exactly the moment you need them.
And lately, a few things have been slowly sinking in.
Not every day will look like the version you imagine
Photo by Yara Kinds on Unsplash
I try to set up my days for success as much as possible - eliminating decision fatigue by having an idea of what I want to eat and wear, visualising how I’d like the day to feel — calmer, slower, more intentional. The Universe often has other plans, and one particular day I had to completely abandon my morning yoga and meditation routine.
Life gets in the way - we know this. The potential a day has at the very start, as we groggily roll out of bed, can be drastically different than the reality we have experienced by the time we roll back into bed in the evening.
Let go of the idea that life - its moments, its days, its years - should or will look a certain way.
Not every step will take you forwards
Photo by Prophsee Journals on Unsplash
I recently began exploring options for a new wellness and yoga studio. Despite much hard work and searching, the project has not moved forward. I have contacted agents, looked at venues, and considered creative ideas for how to put my dreams into reality.
There is a reason the phrase 'trial and error' exists - it is because there is a widespread recognition that sometimes, whatever you are trying won't work. That does not mean, however, that the experience of trying hasn't been worthwhile - quite the contrary.
Trying things out, and then deciding whether they worked for you, is a great experience. Through trial and error, we move towards what serves us best.
Progress is not linear, nor is it perfect
Photo by Deniz Altindas on Unsplash
One morning, my heels touched the floor in downward dog for the first time. For someone with perpetually tight calves and hamstrings, it felt like proof that I was finally “getting somewhere”. The next day? Not even close.
Progress does not conform to any expectations we place on it - unfortunate, but true. What worked one day might be totally off the mark the next day. Just because you got your feet down in downward dog once, doesn't mean it should or will happen the next time. Or any time again, for that matter.
Allow progress to be uneven, and appreciate it for what it is - growth.
Sometimes things shift without effort
Photo by Rebecca Peterson-Hall on Unsplash
Recently, I have found myself embracing (inadvertently) a far better sleep routine. This is after years of setting alarms on my phone and Fitbit, trying to set out a bedtime wind down plan, and using things like meditation and magnesium oil before bed. Lately, I relaxed all the rules, and just started to listen to my body a bit more.
One of the single most frustrating things is struggling with something - in our bodies, minds, souls - and not making progress. Sometimes, however, it is surrendering to that, and releasing the need to control, that allows the shifts to happen.
Notice when you're gripping too tightly, and try to soften or surrender a little.
Perhaps that’s the thing about small beginnings — they rarely look significant while they’re happening.