Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Bridge)
If things have been a little crunchy, intense or “off” the past couple of weeks, and/or you’ve been dealing with some un/planned internal or external transitions, know that you are not alone.
And now, whether or not you are a student, add to that the natural end of summer and back-to-school vibes often accompanied by first-day jitters and/or “new year, new you” attitude. Perhaps you’ve sent one of your kids off to college for the first time, shifting the family dynamics at home, and/or are being affected by the current economic and world events coinciding with a major election heating up, with all the high-stakes energy around that … No matter who you are or how you slice it, change is in the air.
With such a pervasive feeling of uncertainty and/or unfamiliarity that comes in such times, we are being asked to lean inward more and more to develop the muscles that allow us to trust in the unknown and learn how to be present with what IS from moment to moment, and take action from that presence, with the faith that the outcome will always lead us to the next step. And remember that we have the option to course-correct along the way as more is revealed and/or external circumstances change.
In other words, it feels like the Universe is requiring us to up-level and move to new realms of experience and excellence. It’s no coincidence that the Olympics were happening over this cycle, demonstrating the very real and tangible results of a person dedicated to perfecting one aspect of their life with absolute commitment and deep focus; relentlessly practicing to show what their physical and mental muscles can achieve, often defying what we perceive as human limitations. Those elite athletes are proof of what is possible.
As you reflect on your life these days, what would you like to move toward perfection? Where are you being asked to change with the intention to up-level yourself (whether you are conscious of it, or are willing to or not)?
Last week, for the first time I saw a huge full rainbow over the 59th Street Bridge (see photo above for part of it). During the next few days, even more were spotted around town, which is not typical for NYC. The weather had been rough and the sky was gloomy with dark clouds but very changeable, with glimmers of clear blue and sunshine. It was such a perfect metaphor for the energies of the moment. Then lo and behold, the magic of that rainbow broke through, giving anyone who stopped to notice a dose of childlike wonder, genuine hope and a reminder that something far more powerful and majestic is in charge.
The Rainbow Bridge is said to be a place where pets who have passed away hang out until their owners get there. My interpretation is to think of it as more than just pets, but as us having many unseen human helpers on the other side of that bridge too — including friends, family members, notable figures like MLK, Prince, Lincoln, Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bob Marley and other historical/religious folks and angels cheering us on … but I digress …
Know that no matter what you are dealing with, it is for your greater good and there would be no rainbow without the storms. Throughout the inevitable ups and downs of this human journey, we will find ourselves over the rainbow, time and time again. And whether you are experiencing your own storm or not, as the poet Maya Angelou said, you can always “be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”
(Originally published as a PGG newsletter on August 23, 2024)
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Kristina Leonardi is a nationally recognized career and life coach, speaker and author who for over 17 years has empowered individuals to make lasting professional and personal changes aligned with their true passions and talents while fulfilling their role in the world at large.
With a holistic and personal growth-oriented approach, she has helped hundreds of men and women improve their job performance, enter or re-enter the job force, change careers, better manage their time and stress, and live happier, more meaningful, balanced lives.
Her specialty is working with people who feel stuck or are in transition and can help you clarify exactly what you want to do, identify blocks, issues, and patterns in your way, and offer proven ideas, resources, and action steps to get you there.
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