Embracing the Unfolding – Trusting in the Timing of Our Lives
Welcome back!
Do you feel stuck? Or do you find yourself questioning your progress because things aren’t moving as quickly as you’d hoped? I get it, and I’ve been there too. In fact, some days, I still feel like I’m right there.
In a world that seems to be speeding up with every passing year, it’s natural to want proof that our efforts are leading somewhere. We want the reassurance that our hard work isn’t going to waste.
Over the weekend, I visited a museum and found myself in an exhibit about Earth’s evolution, which brought me some reflection. Earth is about 4.5 billion years old, yet the oldest known fossils date back only 3.7 billion years. In that massive span between Earth’s formation and those first signs of life, conditions were quietly developing behind the scenes, laying the foundation for what was to come. Life likely began even earlier than the fossils reveal, but other events simply wiped out the evidence. This was such a powerful reminder that progress and change can be underway long before we have any visible proof.
What we see is such a narrow slice of all that’s unfolding around us. We have no idea who or what may be coming into our lives or what silent transformations might be taking place. We aren’t privy to what’s going on behind the scenes, out of our awareness. So, when we’re working toward something meaningful, even if we can’t yet see results, can we keep showing up with the conviction that life is quietly unfolding in ways we can’t see? It might not look exactly as we envisioned, but that doesn’t mean it’s going off course. We often think we know what’s best, but can we open ourselves to the idea that a more beautiful picture may be in the works?
Every big transition I’ve faced—whether it was ending a relationship that no longer felt aligned, leaving a stable 9-to-5 job to pursue my first business as a cake designer, or eventually following my calling to become a personal growth coach—came with periods of questioning my choice. Even when we’re excited about the change, these shifts rarely progress in a straight line. If you’re in the middle of a transition, here are a few reminders that have helped me keep going, even in the midst of uncertainty:
Check in with your ‘why’: Staying connected to your core values keeps you grounded and aligned. Remember, your inner compass holds the answers, not external validation.
Take care of your nervous system: When we calm the nervous system, our body shifts from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest.” With this, our vision and perspective expand, making it easier to see new possibilities.
Practice self-compassion: On days when you’ve only got 40% to give, and you give that 40%, it means you’ve given 100%. If you’re doing what you can with what you have, you’re already giving your best.
Zoom out to see the bigger picture: When we get stuck in the details, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Step back and take in the broader perspective—there’s more to the story than what you see right now.
Tap into your personal power: We often assign labels like “good” or “bad” to events, but everything is neutral until we assign meaning to it. Our power lies in how we interpret and respond to life’s events. True power isn’t in controlling outcomes, but in navigating our inner world, releasing what we can’t control, and choosing the meanings we attach to each moment.
Remember, setbacks don’t dictate the outcome: Early challenges don’t mean we’re failing; they’re often just the beginning of something that will eventually unfold in meaningful, surprising ways.
Each time we show up, whether we see proof of it or not, we’re building something meaningful. Every act of self-compassion, every check-in with our “why,” is a step toward the life we’re creating. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the unfolding doesn’t need to follow our timeline to be perfect.
Whatever phase you’re in, trust in the process. Life unfolds in its own beautiful rhythm. While it may not always match our expectations, it often leads us to something even greater than we imagined. It’s safe to trust the timing of your life.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Christina
