Gratitude for Detours
Detours - They can be a nuisance but generally they are a blessing in disguise.
Road Closed
What do you do when the road ahead is closed and you have no idea where the diversion leads?
How it starts
Many times in life, the path to our dreams are not as we envision, which can be a disappointment. We might throw in the towel because we can't see any other way resigning to - it is what it is. but what if we looked at detours as opportunities to reroute?
I remember moving to England, 8 years ago to start a new life and begin my career. This wasn’t part of my plans, I was set on starting and building my career and life in Denmark after my degree. Oh yes I had it all planned with the stages, years, milestones all that but that wasn’t how it was supposed to be. After years of applying for jobs with no success I had t let go off my well laid out plans and move. The road ahead of me looked close so I moved to England with nothing and having only my sister as the nearest family here. I was crushed and felt disappointed in myself, in my God and with life for what did it have to take, I had the qualifications, I was putting in the work applying for jobs and keeping myself relevant with industry trends but that was still not enough.
What is coming is so much better
I would curse anyone who told me this and I bet it is the last statement anyone facing obstacles wants to hear but it was true and still is. When our vision is limited and we are not open to other possibilities, obstacles can be hard and this is where faith comes into play. A month after I moved to England I found a job just to get me going and then 7 months later a relevant job in marketing that saw me move thousands of miles away from my sister but still in the same country. The uncertainty of these moves was grave and scary but I had reached the point of having nothing to lose but everything to gain so I took a leap of faith and trusted to be taken care of no matter what. I found courage and faith form I place I didn’t know existed and in this I knew if I had to thrive I wouldn’t need faith only in God/Source but also myself. See we have been given everything we need to thrive and not just survive and as I much as I believe in God/Source to help me, I also need to believe i’m myself enough to take the steps towards my dreams. Faith in myself and my journey and trusting that I have got what it takes to handle this and whatever lies ahead is for my greater good.
This was the start of a successful career and a pocket or wonderful life experiences, I moved from the ranks of Marketing coordinator to Senior Specialist and then to Manager in these years as well as building my coaching and online businesses on the side. I have met amazing people on this journey and had some life changing experiences in this country, some have become lifelong friends and mentors, great colleagues and some the best teachers life could possibly give. These experiences are worth more than gold and ones that have thought me to value myself and my worth, be resilient and persistent and above all be open and patient. I believe I wouldn't have such rich experiences had I let fear keep me where I was and not had faith to jump into the unknown.
It has indeed been better than what I previously thought
Looking back and reflecting everything makes so much sense and indeed what was coming was better. Trust me when I say there were tears, disappointments and frustrations along the way but every time I got knocked down I picked myself back up because I have always known that if I am still here, healthy and alive then my work here is not done. So every downfall and roadblock that brought with it a diversion has seen me recover stronger, wiser and experiences richer so can I still be angry at the detours my life has taken?
No, I can only be grateful, for in them I have honed skills to serve others and myself, found friendships and opportunities that I wouldn't have otherwise and grown so much to my greater good. So yes detours can be frustrating but if we are open we will discover that there are lessons to be learnt, adjustments to be made and ideas to be reevaluated; and this is where the growth takes place and so the journey through the detour is as important as the destination. No matter where you find yourself right now be grateful for the detours and know that whichever road you are on you’re on the right path and you are almost there. I would love for you to share in the comments of any detours that have turned out to be the best for you.
Affirmation:
I trust the Universe to have my back at all times and in all things.