The Unseen Steps
- Cassandra Dennis
- Jan 2
- 3 min read
The caroling had ceased, the aroma from all the delectable food was fading, but the decorative lights still illuminated throughout the community. ChiAnne loved the holidays with all the joy and warmth that it brings, especially the quiet moments in between. The house was still. ChiAnne could hear the hum of the heater, as she admired the work, she put into decorating her first themed Christmas tree. The lavender, deep purple, and crystal ornaments glistened among the white and gray ribbons trimmed in silver glitter, as the string of white lights woven in between flickered in the silence.
The aroma of cinnamon and vanilla brought ChiAnne back to reality, as she sipped her chai tea. The new year has begun and ChiAnne sat by the window with her plush blanket wrapped around her feet, her notebook opened in her lap, with her pen resting on the pages. Her 1-, 3-, and 5-year goals were updated. They were strong, bold, and organized. However, ChiAnne felt undecided.
She didn't know all the steps that were needed to accomplish her updated goals. The path forward was foggy, and the "how" definitely had not revealed itself. But she was sure, she couldn't be stuck and spinning her wheels while waiting for clarity. Instead of wondering through the forest of her mind seeking clarity, ChiAnne choose to be present daily with each step.
Life's experiences taught ChiAnne the best pathway to progressing forward was by the lessons she learned along the way that prepared her for what was next or would benefit someone else along her journey. There is no such thing as perfect. Success is in the small decision here. A boundary there, saying, "no" when she meant no. Moving forward even when the fear minion was standing boldly on her shoulder whispering loudly, "DON'T DO IT! YOU WILL FAIL!"
Staying in the familiar comfort zone was not ChiAnne's safe space. She learned discipline was one of the best tools in her arsenal of character traits. Discipline was her devotion to her current and future self. Her commitment and investment in herself to not carry and pile on the baggage of the old self into her progressive and accomplished future, which alleviates regrets and continuously lays the foundation for her peace.
ChiAnne, began thinking of the resources she would need to move forward, but became overwhelmed. Her thoughts switched to what she was grateful for. She thought of her inner circle, the people she chose to speak truth to her without harm, to uplift and empower her, people who did not drain her energy, to travel and laugh freely with.
So much laughter was shared during this season over potluck meals, stories, old school games, and traditions. The time together reminded ChiAnne that life was not a checklist, it was not meant to be rushed. It was meant to be experienced.
This line of thinking encouraged ChiAnne to explore new ideas, new approaches, and to expand her thinking, even when the little fear minion attempted to convince her to craft a story of "danger ahead" if she progressed forward.
ChiAnne smiled, realizing fear only meant to E-X-T-E-N-D. Extend beyond the current version of herself to the future more capable version.
ChiAnne extended her arms and legs, as she took a deep breath and stretched out beyond the arms of the sofa. Her gaze settled on the stack of books on her end table. On top was, "The Dream Giver" by Bruce Wilkinson. She fondly recalled the story and felt like the character Ordinary, who traveled from the land of familiar to fulfill his dreams. What a thoughtful reminder of her journey.
ChiAnne closed her notebook, without all the answers, but knowing she could trust herself to be present daily, remain disciplined, honor her boundaries, be filled with laugher, and choosing her version of peace along her journey would lead her to the path that had already been laid out before her. (Jeremiah 29:11)
The next steps would reveal themselves with each small decision along the way.
Reflection Point: Something to Munch On
Comments