My 4 year old has a favorite pair of underwear. These undies have cartoon characters on the front and, as she makes sure to note, “have been with her for a long time.” You know, since she was 2.
Maybe you can relate? Don’t answer that one out loud.
Unfortunately, these undies have seen better days. They are faded and falling apart. Plus, they are just too tight. 4 year olds tend to grow out of clothing quickly. With new growth comes change and change is something hard for her sweet soul to understand.
“Grace, you can’t wear these undies to bed!” I told her last week. “They will cut off your circulation!”
“Fine! But they’re going in my secret spot so I can keep them forever!” she noted.
We’ll work on that part.
That’s the thing about change. It’s hard to understand at age 4 or age 34 and, I’m assuming, every age in between and thereafter. It’s scary and different and unknown. It’s so easy to hold on to what we know. The known brings us comfort and routine. And sometimes, life is just easier that way.
But who wants to live in the easy? I don’t. I’m willing to bet you don’t either. I personally want change and adventure and new beginnings. Here’s the tricky part of it all. I really like the past, too. The past brings me peace and understanding. The past usually makes me smile and brings a comfort to my heart that is hard to let go. But if I hold on too tightly, it can cut off my circulation.
You get my point.
I’m at one of these moments in my life. Maybe we always are? Call it a fork in the road or a turning point in life. Whatever it is, it’s here. And it’s scary. The unknown always is.
I’m ready to take a risk with my business. I’m not sure what that yet means. But it’s going to happen. And something that should bring me fear actually gives me peace. My logical side has been taken over by adventure and I’m so excited to see what discoveries are waiting to be found.
That doesn’t mean I won’t miss the past. I might even regret my decision. But I can’t live in the unknown. That’s a risk I’m not willing to take.
My 4 year olds undies are tucked away in her secret spot. They will stay hidden and safe until the day comes when she realizes she can let go. And, since its underwear, I hope the letting go day comes fairly soon.
I wonder if your day is coming, too. That moment when you tuck away the past and make room for new adventure. I think it’s OK to hold on for a little while, but not too long. There’s so much waiting for all of us if we’re just willing to take the leap.
Cheers to new adventures and comfortable underwear!
Feature image from Blue House Fotos