Clarity through the chaos and confusion

Friday, April 25, 2008  by Susan Julien-Willson

I have faith clarity will come, but right now, life seems confusing and chaotic. Ever feel that way? I remind myself that things will work out-- that it will all come together. It feels like the start of the poem when words keep repeating in my mind and I am not sure what I am feeling, but I know that I am feeling something. The words stay with me, and reappear again and again in my thoughts until I cannot contain them any longer ...they spill on a page and quite often, succintly express how I feel. Something I couldn't grasp or express before is put into words in the form of a poem. Other times, it is a journal entry. For me, writing is how I make sense of chaos and confusion -- it's where I find calm. This is essential for success in life ... at work, with family, with friends. No wait, it sounds as if I am recommending writing to all. Not true. BUT, I do think we all need some way to get in touch with our feelings-- find focus, strength, and calm when things get chaotic and confusing.

Currently, things are changing in the business, in the world, and in your lives -- change is everywhere. Change is a necessary part of life. As much as I love it and believe it offers great opportunities to grow and learn--it brings about periods of chaos and confusion that call for us to re-focus and find "our inner peace" amidst the churn. I don't have to have everything neat and orderly (my office demonstrates this), but I if I begin to lose my calm confidence, I know life has become too crazy and it's time to go interior as I like to say.

I seek out words most often: my writing, reading ... inspirational quotes ... poetry ...prayer. I also love music, museums, and movies. Total immersion into something else helps me look at a situation or circumstances in my life differently. Often helps me find a solution ... discover clarity as I wade through the chaos, sort out things. These are all ways I cope and make sense of the word so I can be productive and successful at work and in my personal life. Not sure this works for everyone, but it does for me.

What do you do to cope? to make sense of the confusion? to find solutions? to keep selling and building your business?

Many of you have told us you find inspiration in quotes or music or prayer. Is this also how you relieve stress? Find peace? Please share your thoughts on coping strategies/tactics/skills. We can learn from each other.

Peace,

sjw

 

Comments

# Jeffrey said on April 25, 2008 4:44 PM:

As I continue to search for my missing granddaughter, I have found comfort in a song called "Once" by Van Halen, on the album "Van Halen 3." It is an incredible song with an incredible message.

# Jeff Namnum said on May 1, 2008 7:30 PM:

Susan, been a bit busy so I haven't checked in, but I have to say even among all of the great business info you've passed on to us, this post is by far my favorite so far.

It takes real courage to be open and honest in the way you were here, and quite frankly, it takes some real artistic skill to put it so eloquently. Nice.

Going thru some particularly stressful (but ultimately positive) changes in our life here at the Namnum household and I agree with what you say; if I can't get to that quiet, calm place inside I know I've gone way too far from where I should be. It brings me back to the scripture, be still and know that I am God. I'm reminded that sometimes the only way to hear His healing, calming, inspirational voice is to shut up and shut out everything for a few minutes.

Believe it or not, for me one of the best spots is Starbucks for this (as long as it's not the one that's across the street from the high school). I can sit there as long as I need to and pray and read and chill.

You're awesome Susan, keep it coming.

# Susan Julien-Willson said on May 2, 2008 7:58 AM:

I am grateful for your comment and humbled by your reference to me as awesome. Wow. To quote an Elton John song, "Thank God, there's people out there like you."

All the best to you and yours!

sjw

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