Stop Chasing
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a pattern of chasing after the wrong things? Maybe it's a toxic relationship, a dead-end job, or a lifestyle that's not aligned with your values and goals. Whatever it may be, it can be a frustrating and exhausting cycle that leaves you feeling drained and unfulfilled.
The truth is, when we're constantly chasing after the wrong things, we're often ignoring the things that truly matter to us. We're so focused on what we think we should want, or what society tells us we should want, that we lose sight of our own authentic desires.
But what if we could break free from this cycle? What if we could learn to trust our intuition and allow the right things to come to us, rather than constantly chasing after them?
It's a concept that's easier said than done, but it's possible. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shift your focus from chasing the wrong things to allowing the right things to catch you.
Get clear on your values and priorities.
One of the reasons we often chase after the wrong things is because we're not clear on what truly matters to us. Take some time to reflect on your values and priorities. What do you value most in life? What are your non-negotiables when it comes to relationships, work, and personal growth? For myself, I do not negotiate my fitness practice. I do understand that time can run out, but I make sure there is some form of lifting, running, yoga, mobility, or recovery every day. The reason that it is so important is because I never want to find myself not able to get off the toilet.
Once you have a clear understanding of your values and priorities, you'll be better equipped to recognize the things that are truly important to you and let go of the things that aren't.
Let go of what no longer serves you.
Sometimes we hold onto things that are no longer serving us because we're afraid of letting go. Maybe it's a job that's draining us mentally and emotionally, or a relationship that's holding us back from our full potential. While letting go can be scary, it's often necessary in order to make space for the things that will truly fulfill us. Trust that when you release what no longer serves you, you're creating space for something better to come in.
Trust the timing of your life.
When we're constantly chasing after the wrong things, we often feel like we're running out of time. We worry that we're not where we should be in life, or that we're missing out on opportunities. But the truth is, everything happens in its own time. Trust that the right things will come to you when you're ready for them, and that everything you've experienced up until this point has been preparing you for what's to come. You are exactly where you are supposed to be at this point in life.
Practice gratitude.
When we're focused on what we don't have, it's easy to get caught up in a cycle of chasing after more. But when we practice gratitude for what we do have, we shift our focus to the present moment and cultivate a sense of contentment. I often return to the thoughts around Epictetus’s lamp (I think I’ll said Seneca’s lamp before). You don’t need the top-of-the-line stuff to give top of the line effort. Take some time each day to reflect on the things you're grateful for, no matter how small they may seem. This practice will help you stay grounded in the present moment and appreciate the good things in your life.
Trust yourself.
Finally, trust yourself. Trust that you know what's best for you, even if it doesn't align with what others expect of you. Trust that you're capable of making the right decisions for yourself, even if they're difficult.
When you stop chasing the wrong things, you allow the right things to catch you. Trust that the universe has a plan for you, and that when you align yourself with your authentic desires and values, the right things will naturally come into your life.
This can be a complicated process, as it requires honesty and introspection. It may be uncomfortable to acknowledge that we have been chasing the wrong things, especially if they are things that we have invested a lot of time and energy into. But when we can let go of these things and redirect our focus, we create space for the right things to come into our lives.
The right things may be different for everyone, depending on their values, goals, and passions. It could be a fulfilling career, a meaningful relationship, or a sense of inner peace and contentment. Whatever it is, when we stop chasing the wrong things, we allow ourselves to be open to new opportunities and experiences that align with our true selves.
It's important to note that this process of letting go and redirecting our focus is not a one-time event. It's an ongoing journey that requires patience, self-awareness, and self-compassion. We may stumble and make mistakes along the way, but if we stay committed to our values and goals, we will eventually find ourselves on the right path.
In conclusion, when we stop chasing the wrong things, we create space for the right things to catch us. This requires a willingness to let go of what no longer serves us, and a commitment to finding and pursuing what truly matters to us. It may not be an easy journey, but the rewards are invaluable – a life that is authentic, fulfilling, and true to our deepest selves.
