There are two of us inside of me.

Two women. Two voices.

One, reminds me of the woman I used to be.

The other tells me about the woman I am becoming.

I have lived with these two voices for many years now.

I have listened to both every day.

I have acted as if I was both often.

And I must admit to you that I chose the voice from before…. more than the one from ahead.

The woman from before is easier to live with, she stays in more.

She finds doubt in everything therefore it’s better to be indecisive.

The woman ahead of me looks breathtaking, full of confidence and a knowing I have only seen in people I admire. The woman from before is afraid of her often.

She makes sure her voice is loud so the woman from ahead can’t be heard.

A few days ago I realized this dichotomy is not healthy.

After loss we have two true choices.

And a third that I am not recommending but must mention.

Choice 1: To stay behind. Driven by our grief identity.
Choice 2: To go forth, to find our own becoming.
Choice 3: The place in between.

The third choice shows up when you don’t want to stay behind but you also don’t want to march ahead. I learned that staying in between these two voices can drive you towards anxiety and stress.

The third choice is the worst of all.

So if you have chosen the third choice like I did so often please don’t choose it anymore.

The third choice is a big duality experience that will make you feel worse than grief ever did. You won’t know whether you are coming or going.

You will live in constant uncertainty.

Today I am going to ask you to choose.

If you choose to stay back for a little while know that it is not a permanent choice, it is one that can be changed in a few months or even a couple of years.

It is ok to choose the old voice.

And if you choose the voice ahead of you, grab the reigns, hold your breath and let’s do this.

It’s not going to be easy to listen to the you that is calling you from the future. But at the end of the day you will be glad you chose to become. (Click to Tweet)

With a lot of becoming,
Christina

PS. I published another Star Letter last Tuesday, I so hope you read it here.

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Christina

Christina

Christina Rasmussen is an author, speaker and social entrepreneur who believes that grief is an evolutionary experience required for launching a life of adventure and creative accomplishment.

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2 Comments

  • Last December for a few weeks, nearly the entire month! I had this battle in my head/heart/body/home. I knew that I had to listen to the new me, but first had to trust and admit to who I now was. I am Fiona, age 38, single mum of three kids,( 7,9&12) who has and always will love Alexis my angel husband (“late” is such a weird term … who even came up with that!?!)
    It has made this year such an gutsy one. I started putting myself out hoping/trusting that my BFFs would pick up the pieces if I fell flat on my face. I haven’t fallen yet!!
    I have tripped a whole bunch, but I got my balance back! It’s amazing what I can do with a shit-load of faith in God and trust in myself! I suggest it to everyone. Go and be the best “you” you can be and take the praise and stares and joyful comments everyone will give you. One giant baby step at a time.
    The parachute is on …. JUMP!
    🙂 still laughing with tears in my eyes. I wish anyone who reads this the courage to go for it! Merry Christmas.
    🙂 Fiona G.

  • Deb says:

    This is such a great message, I live it every minute the constant conflict. Tryimg not to slip into choice 3. I have no resolution for myself at the moment, just to keep inching forward. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

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