Enjoying The Gaps In Life

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Published by Rachelle Disbennett-Lee
Wednesday, January 30, 2002
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Some of the most important times we will spend in our lifetime aren't when we are doing something, but when we are between some things. The times between can be as important, if not more important, than the time we spend doing.

The time between is the gap. The gap is the time we spend between some things. This can be time between jobs, life changes, or relationships. When we are between some things we have time to think and explore. We can go within ourselves and discover what is really important to us. In between, we get to determine our new direction and what type of person we will become.

According to Candice Carpenter, author of Chapters: Create a Life of Exhilaration and Accomplishment in the Face of Change, "This new century is going to be about mastering the gaps in our lives. It's going to be about fluidity and about the courage to imagine life not as constant but as a constant process of creation." One thing to always keep in mind is that nothing last forever. When we are out of work, or a relationship ends, or something in our lives changes, we can be guaranteed that it will change again. This too shall pass. It may be frightening or painful, but it is just one step in the journey of our lives.

Some people say that once they get to the other side of a gap they wish it had lasted longer. I was slightly disappointed when I started my business and I had to end the time off that I had. Although I was not comfortable in the gap, I realized after it was over how refreshing and inspiring it had been.

Coaching

Relaxing in the gap isn't easy. The thing to remember is that it will not last. This too shall pass. As much as possible, try to ease into the space that the gap creates and use it as a time to learn and unwind.

How can you enjoy the gaps in your life?

Daily Success Formula

Gap = Time to relax + Reflect

Quotes

"I want to go out at the top, but the secret is knowing when you're at the top, it's so difficult in this business, your career fluctuates all the time, up and down, like a pair of trousers." Rod Stewart

"Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come." Robert Schuller

"Overcoming fear and worry can be accomplished by living a day at a time or even a moment at a time. Your worries will be cut down to nothing." Robert Anthony

"Sometimes you've got to let everything go, purge yourself. If you are unhappy with anything . . . whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it. Because you'll find that when you're free, your true creativity, your true self comes out." Tina Turner