Recognize the Eras: Don't sacrifice growth for the sake of discipline or consistency.
One muscle to continue to exercise in life, is the ability to recognize different eras: in one's life, one's community, and the world.
And, not to feel guilty, pressured or obligated, when it's time to move onto a new era.
For example, in the beginning of the pandemic, there was an incredible need for connection & community: so there were a ton of webinars, podcasts, Zoom hangouts, etc. I joined the bandwagon too, helping organize, host, or appear in close to a hundred virtual events, webinars and podcasts.
As the pandemic dragged on, and Zoom fatigue settled in, there was a palpable need for reflection, inwardness. I started writing a lot more, and doing group events a lot less.
What era is next? I don't know. But as I feel guilty or pressured from time to time ("I need to do more of X!" "I haven't done enough of Z!"), it's helpful to remind myself that, eras are beautiful while they last; but they also always end.
Like the stages of love; the stages of a long run; or the stages of a party. (Don't be the fool still drinking long after everyone's gone home!)
The muscle to exercise is this: the ability to distinguish when you need to push through, for the sake of discipline & consistency; and when you need to grow into the next era of your life, or your community's life.
It takes as much listening, to yourself, and others, as action.
Be curious. Listen. Distinguish. Accept. Grow.
Recognize the Eras!
