Life feels like a big experiment to me. It throws things at you, and you just try to figure out how the hell you are going to deal with it. The good and the bad.
In some cases, you might manage quite well, and you feel good and confident about the way you dealt with it. From time to time you stumble, fall and get back up, not sure how you navigated through the storm, but you got back up!
And then there are the full force smack in the face experiences, coming seemingly out of nowhere, that knock you down hard. And you wonder how the hell you are ever going to get back on your feet again.
I think we all go through these motions in life. Catching the big and small waves in our own unique way. I know I have been.
Constant search and questioning
One of the main questions that is always with me and drives me is: “Why do I respond the way I do and how can I get more in control of my own life? Be more aligned with my inner voice and the talents I have, instead of being controlled by the external circumstances?”. Basically, how can I feel more joy in everyday life?
I feel, experiment, reflect and try again. It’s a continuous process which includes euphoric moments of total bliss, moments of bewilderment, moments of deep gratitude and joy, and also moments of deep dark pit holes that I never thought I would climb out of. Filled with deep frustration, anger, fear or grief. That’s life isn’t it?
I don’t believe that your entire life is ‘manufacturable’. This assumption puts an enormous pressure on people when life is not going their way and it can lead to an incredible sense of failure. Truth is that we are almost never in control of what happens around us or how people respond to us. I do believe however that I am in control of how I respond to the circumstances around us. And I need awareness to be able to do that. Becoming more and more conscious of who I truly am, beyond the conditions, limiting beliefs and masks, will enable me to ride the waves of life more easily. As I am not fighting anymore against who I am.
This is where freedom of choice and autonomy come into play.
And that is exactly what Chantals’ Lab is all about. Sharing my experiences of the ‘lab’ that I call LIFE. What I have learnt, how I dealt with it, which people inspire me and what has helped me to ride the waves, big and small. If we all would have the courage to become who we truly are, not wanting to live up anymore to the expectations of whomever, I truly believe we live more healthy, lovingly, joyful and meaningful lives.
Becoming aware of who I truly am, beyond the ideas and concepts that I was taught to believe, to embrace that ever changing human being that I am, embracing life and enjoy it to the fullest, one day at a time, is what I strive for.
And I hope to support and inspire others along the way.
Pick and choose what resonates with you, what would be helpful for you and your journey. I would would love to hear from you, how you are embracing yourself and the life you live.
Chantal
PS: I am Dutch, so please forgive me if my English isn’t always flawless 😉
photo credits: Landa Penders