Take a Step Back

“A bumblebee flies into my apartment
it didn’t mean to be there
–it panics
 and seeing the outside through a glass window
it proceeds to push and push against the glass trying to get where it wants to go
in its panic never moving from its task long enough
to see the open window just inches away
how like the bumble bee I am in my work or my life
i see where i want to go
and in my panic
i forget to look for the open window
so i push and push and push
thinking i should be rewarded for all this hard work
when, in fact, i am so frantic
like the bee against the glass.”

Mary Beth Fidler, the Bumble Bee

We are taught to strive , to push, to be and do more, to succeed.

Yet for years I felt as if I was on a treadmill, working diligently and yet not getting where I wanted to go. Where was this elusive happiness? When could I finally just relax and be me?

In Western culture we are taught to work hard , go to a great college and have a successful career, then we will besuccessful. But what if success is defined by happiness? What if success is defined by loving relationships, or having the time to enjoy life’s simpler pleasures like a sunset or a walk on the beach?

Our conditioned mind teaches us that this is how we “should” be.

When we take the time to step back we can begin to explore what it is we really value and love. Just because something has always been a certain way, does not mean that it has to continue. The freedom to choose a new path, to explore new possibilities can only begin when you step away from the window…..