Gift of a Mess

Whoever coined the phrase “life is messy” was spot on. What I have come to realize is the mess is a vital part of change and progress, even if it can feel overwhelming when you’re in the middle of it.
Sometimes we look at what other people have in their lives and wonder how they got so lucky. Maybe we're jealous. How come they have it so easy while we struggle? We see their beautiful yard or their cute little house full of charm and warmth. Why does our own home feel tired and worn? Or we see the enjoyment some people get from spending time with their family and we wish we could have close relationships, too.

Great news! You can have the things you want in life, but you have to work at it, just like they did. Just because you didn’t see what they went through to get where they are today doesn’t make their struggles any less real than your own. Like us, they had to go through lots of messes to get that pretty yard, loving relationship or cute house.

We have two kids in the process of moving right now and things are messy. Belongings are in boxes and stacked everywhere. Beds are torn apart and muscles are sore from hauling things from one place to another. But I know it’s just a matter of time until both are settled and happy in their new surroundings. When things feel really messy, it often means you are on the path to something new and wonderful.

We have to stop comparing ourselves to other people. What if the only person we competed with is the one looking back at us in the mirror each morning? Ask yourself what one thing, if you can accomplish it today, will put you closer to where you want to be. Then do that one thing. Congratulate yourself when you look in the mirror tomorrow morning.

When we get really clear on what we want in our own life and start taking the necessary steps to make it happen, we can start to see real change. Dig in and don’t be afraid to get messy. I won’t pretend it doesn’t take work because it does. Depending on what you want to accomplish, it can consume your days. Perfect! When you are busy focusing on your own life, you don’t have time to compare yourself to others.

As Theodore Roosevelt famously said “Comparison is the thief of joy”.

Be tenacious in going after those things that make your soul sing. Never give up and don’t settle. Don’t waste your precious time worrying that other people may not understand the path you have chosen. How boring life would be if we were all chasing the same dreams! Take chances and dive into the mess. Little kids know how fun it can be to play in puddles and stomp in the mud. As adults, sometimes we need to remind ourselves it’s OK to get messy.

If you stop and look around you and all you see are messes – congratulations! Neat and tidy is boring and tame. Stomp in those mud puddles, stir things up, and live life on your own terms. When you do, other people may start to look at you and wonder how you got so lucky. And when that day comes, sit back and smile. You will know luck had nothing to do with it.

​I’m here to cheer you on as you pursue the life of your dreams - and if you have a speck of mud on your cheek the next time our paths cross, I’ll celebrate with you!    Kim