Let It Be Messy

You may or may not know, but last summer I started playing tennis.  I’m obsessed.  I’m not amazing (yet!), but I’m improving all the time.  That excites me.

Last week I was working on my forehand, because lately I’ve been incredibly  inconsistent and erratic with my aim.

So, my coach had me work on a new swing.  

However in trying the new swing, I was hitting the ball even MORE out of control. Some were going into the net and then some were going so far, it was like I was hitting home runs into the bleachers! Yikes.

I was frustrated. Maybe I should just go back to my old way of hitting. At least I felt more comfortable with that. 

But my coach said that if I kept working on this new way, eventually I would gain even more control and I would be able to aim the ball better, thus improving my game.

So during the class, when everyone was trying to win points and I just kept losing point after point after point, I kept saying to myself, “I’m working on something specific here. Let it be messy and out of control for today. Don’t worry about getting ahead.”

By the end of class, I started to feel a little more in control of the swing. I realized I was on to something. It gave me enough juice to keep going.

Lo and behold, the next day I continued with what I was working on and suddenly, I was hitting forehands like I never hit before! 

Hard shots. Right over the net. Dropping at my opponent’s feet. And with consistency!

I’ve never done anything close to that! It felt so good.

Now, I’m only just getting started with this new swing. I’m sure there will be many more days where I hit like you know what.

But I’m working on something.
I’m working through something.
I let it be messy.
I let it be out of control.

I know I’m finding a new way.

By this point in my email, I know you know where this is going.

You have to step out of your comfort zone. 

You have to let things be a little messy for a while. And yes, maybe even out of control.

But if you keep showing up, and you keep working on it, eventually the new way will become THE WAY. The way you are more comfortable with. And hopefully this new way produces better results for your life, your body and your own happiness.

So, what are you willing to let go of? What is the new thing you are trying to do? Does it feel messy and chaotic? Can you maybe let it be that, knowing that chaos always finds a way to calm?

I believe in you. Keep going.

Here’s to working on and working through it!

xo
Erin