As 2011 came to a close, much was made of the prophecies for 2012--the end of the Mayan calendar on December 21 prompted many to speculate the end of the world is upon us. But there will be no apocalyptic event, no fire and brimstone, no shifting of the Earth's axis. Life will not end. However, life as we know it may be forever changed. And that is not a bad thing.
The energy shift of 2012--the effects of which were being felt months before the start of the New Year--is having an impact on every political, financial, social and environmental system in the world. The economic difficulties in Europe, global political tensions, weather pattern anomalies, even the impending election in the U.S. are all contributing to an environment of worldwide upheaval. Even the Earth itself is being bombarded with magnetic energy from a massive cycle of solar flares, disrupting global communication networks. And, of course, there is the impact on our own lives.
Change is inevitable, and I knew 2012 would be a year of upheaval, but I have still been surprised by the degree to which the people I know have been affected by job eliminations, relationship conflicts, financial concerns, sleep disturbances and medical issues. At the very least, nearly everyone is feeling a vague sense of restlessness.
Living through a time of upheaval is extremely stressful. Just like the pressure experienced by the Olympic athletes, it is in times like these that we are called on to use every skill and resource we have. Olympians cannot perform to their highest potential without help. Each athlete has assistance from coaches, nutritionists, sports psychologists, physical therapists, and more. Not to mention the support of family and friends.
To successfully navigate the stress of major change, identify the people and resources that form your support system. Look within your circle to find those with the expertise to coach you through your particular challenge. Seek out professional assistance to counsel you through emotional turmoil. Most of all, practice the discipline of self-care. Monitor your physical, emotional and mental energy and take action to replenish it.
The energy shift of 2012 does not have to have a negative outcome. Despite the fear-mongers, the world is not going to hell-it is going to change.
This time of turbulence is a wake-up call. A time to awaken to your soul purpose, your personal power and accountability, to the effect your thoughts and words have on your body, your relationships, your environment, and the way you experience your life. The process of change forces us to go through the fire, burning away what is no longer useful or conducive to growth, and helping us reorder or reconfirm our priorities.
Your journey through 2012 calls on you to be your very best. Think of yourself as an Olympic athlete poised on the diving platform, facing the uneven bars or in the starting blocks of a race. Ride the wave of the energy shift of 2012 to examine your life and make the changes you need to make. Be honest with yourself about what is working and what is not. If you have a dream, pursue it. If there is something you want to learn, seek it out. If you are in conflict with someone, resolve it. If you are in a stagnant job or relationship, leave it. Above all, reject fear. Don't try to manage it, minimize it, or reduce it. Simply reject it.
Embrace your gold medal chance at transformation and growth!
