Reinvention & the Art of Leaving Things Undone

I believe in reinvention, or maybe reinvention believes in me.

There is a cycle that underpins the seasons and the predictable rhythm of each day. For me, it spans about three years, give or take a couple months, and has designated itself as a time of invention and redesign.

Every three years or so, I go through a full redesign. It's not just a tweak here and there but a full-on re-do. Sometimes, it's many changes all at once or one big one that leaves me pointed in a different direction. New job, new hobby, move across the country, start or end a business, healthier lifestyle, etc.

It used to freak me out because it can a bit disruptive waking up one day and knowing in my bones that it's time to make a change. Like anyone else, I get comfortable in a routine and panic for a moment when the download to reinvent presents itself. It's like walking on a path and really liking the view because you know you're going to be peering out over the ocean in just a few minutes, only to abruptly turn left and head into the trees with god only knows what lurking in there. Eeek!

When I was young, I'd resist the urge to re-invent. I used to buy into the thought that I should persevere, even if I wasn't digging something anymore. Big fat book that I hate but have 1000 pages left? Slog through it. Hobby that used to light me up that now makes me cringe? Grin and keep on going! Much of my childhood angst can be traced back to times of change or the expectation that I should keep doing something, mostly to avoid what people would think if I changed my mind - AGAIN. There she goes again….

Now, me and change, we get along pretty good together. Most of the time, I see opportunity in the reinvention and that inspires me to move forward.

I'm also more comfortable with leaving things undone - not all tidied up and in its place but undone and messy. I abandon the book that I don't enjoy, even if I am halfway through. I throw away the doughnut that doesn't really taste as good as I’d hoped, even though I paid $5 for it. I follow my interest and curiosity which really pays off in the creativity department.

How about you? Do you have a cycle of reinvention or redesign? Do you gladly leave things undone? How does it show up for you?

Let's reinvent together!

Heather