It Has Been A Minute Since I Last Sat Down To Write Anything.
Since leaving my pastoral position, I have not been forced to articulate any of my thoughts other than, of course, for Instagram. I have a love / hate relationship with social media. I enjoy it for entertainment and even at times to see what acquaintances are up to; where they are travelling, or what projects they are working on. Funny reels and even the occasional inspiring story are also things that I enjoy. However, I am not a fan in that social media seems to have tricked us all into thinking that people we see on there are all living beautiful lives without struggle, doubts or fear.
I am not saying that we should be posting all of those things on social media. There is a time and place for it, but for the most part, the online community does not need to, nor would they know what to do with my loneliness or frustration. Honestly, it is not their job to know. What I am trying to say is that we can fall into the comparison trap. This leads us to believe that we are alone and that others are out there living the life we always wanted. The facts are that it is simply not true; my Instagram and the Instagram of my friends are curated. I have taken the best pictures of the most exciting parts of my day, or the wisest thing I can think up that day and posted them. I leave out the part where it was so dang hot, and I had to work in the sun long enough that I was sweating more than one of those marathon runners in Spain. I left the part out where I fell asleep on the couch while watching yet another reel on Facebook and my phone slipped out of my hand and hit me in the face, prompting me to head up to my bed.
Alright, Why Am I Saying All This?
Growth is challenging work all on its own, doing the work of seeing ourselves in a truthful light is . . . HARD WORK! It is hard enough work that I do not think we should into the trap that others are not working hard for the life they have and that others are not challenged in the areas of their life just like we are in ours. The struggles we face are unique to us, but we need to remember that struggle is part of the human condition. Struggles, even the self-inflicted kinds, are also opportunities to grow; opportunities to carefully observe ourselves and the truth of what we are about.
Making a commitment to personal growth is about choosing to see yourself with a degree of truth that you might not have had before, and owning it, owning your role in it and owning the pain or joy behind it. It is about awakening to the present moment, about giving yourself permission to feel, to think, and even to act in that moment. It’s not about comparing yourself to the world but setting and following your internal compass.
It’s not easy work, but its futuristic work. It is about believing that you are going to experience your future differently because your perspective will be different. That perspective will be more of your true self because of the work you do now. Do not fall into the trap of what your aren’t today; in doing so you might forfeit the beauty of what the future holds.
Let’s chat and unpack your story!
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recesscreek@gmail.com or our website at www.unpackedpod.ca/coaching
– Evan Dewald
Evan Dewald is a certified Enneagram Coach and co-host of the Unpacked Podcast with Tara Linsley. He owns and operates Recess Creek Coaching where he helps both individuals and businesses grow healthier and more productive work environments using the tool of the Enneagram.
Evan is a former pastor of 28 years bringing his experience in non-profit and community development and church planting. He also owns and operates Little w Studio with his wife Christin. Evan is passionate about helping people grow by unpacking the stories of our lives and finding compassionate ways to relate to others.
He is a facilitator in Project Re-write a new Restorative Justice project in Chestermere through Synergy. This project is about helping offenders and their victims heal.
