How permanent is permanent?
A couple of months ago, I met some LinkedIn friends for coffee at a local coffee shop.
And the first thing I noticed when we got there was this line of women that snaked around the shop and out the door. They were waiting to get some kind of jewelry, but I couldn’t tell what was special about it.
(It clearly MUST have been special - or trendy anyway.)
So after our coffee, as the line died down, I went to inquire what the fuss was all about.
It’s permanent jewelry, soldered on so there’s no clasp.
I thought it was an interesting concept, but I’m not a big jewelry wearer, so I filed the information away for later.
Just recently a friend of mine got into the permanent jewelry business, and because I like to support my friends in their business ventures, I got a bracelet for myself.
It turns out that permanent jewelry isn’t so permanent after all -
If/when you want to remove it, you simply cut the link that holds the bracelet together.
That’s it.
And it got me thinking: Not only are most decisions we make in life not permanent, most of the ones that are, aren’t so permanent after all.
How much time do we spend worrying about things that truly aren’t important in the long run?
How much energy do we expend making decisions that are - in the end - reversible?
Someone once told me, “I don’t always have time to make the right decision. Sometimes I just have to act and trust that I can adjust when I’m in motion.”
How grateful I am to be able to take some of the pressure off - a mistake I make is not going to be end of the world. And no best decision is ever going to be the be-all and end-all.
As long as I’m trying, living, and learning, it’s all going to be okay. Even in the moments when it doesn’t feel like it will.
My journal is full of examples. It bears witness of this.
Everything is going to be okay.
Nothing is truly permanent.
Even permanent jewelry.
Weekly Journal Prompts:
Use these prompts as written or as inspiration to uncover what you need in your life this week. And know that I’m always here to support you and answer questions you have along the way!
Write about a decision you made that you thought was permanent - what was the outcome? How did you make another decision to change course?
What choice am I ready to make?
A practice I can begin to help me pause before making decisions is…
A reminder I could say to myself before I’m tempted to promise something that I’m not sure I can commit to is…
If I believed anything was possible for me, I would…
One Journaling Idea I Love:
Self-Compassion Letter
So many of us are way too hard on ourselves - harder than we’d ever be on anyone else!
Try writing yourself a self-compassion letter: Think about parts of yourself that you’re critical of and write to and about them in a kind and generous way. What would you say to a friend who had the same criticism of themselves?
What qualities make you special and unique? What quirks do you have that are more endearing than you realize?
What can you appreciate about yourself? Write about all of it from a place of kindness and compassion.
Work with Me in 2023!
I work with clients both 1:1 and in my group programs to develop journaling practices that help you design and live a life you don’t want a vacation from.
My group program, Better Me in 2023, is designed for busy, goal-focused go-getters who are easily overwhelmed by anxiety, overcommitment and perfectionism.
Those folks who are there for everyone else, but have a hard time putting on their own oxygen mask first.
Each month we’ll focus on a new theme and journal our way to self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-improvement.
Jump in for the months and themes that call to you or sign on for a longer adventure.
Ready to jump in?
Register for the adventure. Sign up for 1 month, 6 months, or 12 months!
Interested, but have questions?
Let’s hop on a call to see if Better Me or 1:1 coaching is a good fit for you! Click HERE to schedule a time that works for you.
Want to have a friend join you?
Things like this are best with the right company. Download a copy of this PDF and share with a friend!
I can’t wait to journal with you! 💛
Happy Journaling!
Amanda, I love this idea of self-compassion letter! I can definitely be hard on myself and I appreciate this journaling prompt for this week. Thank you.