“Breathing In New Life,” by Gail Jones

Every so often I come across a blog post or article by another author that strikes a chord within me.  I thought I would share a recent article I came across while reading Support Matters, a newsletter by Gail Jones.

“I got the blues thinking of the future, so I left off and made some marmalade. It’s amazing how it cheers one up to shred oranges and scrub the floor”
— D.H. Lawrence

I am going to let you in on a little secret, one that is helping me breathe in new life and joy.

After setting an intention this past year to attract a fun, supplemental opportunity working on a team to offset the solitude of the writing and coaching life, I am now employed in a seasonal position baking fresh breads and other “from scratch” goodies on a farm.

The decision to take the job required some soul-searching. Some friends in my professional circles said it took great courage, and in reviewing my decision-making process to accept it, I concur.

Putting my hands in dough was so far out of my comfort zone, even though I had co-created and co-owned a gourmet bread and bake shop with my former husband. I knew how to serve customers and market our business, but I had never crafted a loaf of bread in my life. In fact, my lack of more refined culinary skills has always been a tender spot for me.

When my friend, Meg, first told me about the position, I resisted. Yet, something deeper was being called forth, which was validated during my interview when the hiring bakery manager and I both knew we were meant to connect, whether we worked together or not.

At her advice, I spent some time pondering the job as I meandered through the streets and boardwalk by the harbor in Newburyport. My gut knew it was time to experience being taught versus lead, to lessen my feelings of being “the responsible one.” Still, a deep grief overcame me, as I let go of my ego’s craving for something more outwardly impressive. Then, quietly I opened to my spirit telling me to accept the job, knowing that its purpose would unfold.

My big dreams that I spent a winter clarifying and acting upon were already articulated to the world. To stay in belief and anticipation of their arrival while I waited for their manifestation, I chose to distract myself with something totally different.

As I later explained to one of my newer coaching clients, “I am after all a life coach. And what better way to learn more about life than be on a farm, from where our sustenance comes.”

Initially, I came home from the new job overwhelmed (and in tears once) after struggling to learn some of the left-brained skills, such as converting measurements to grams for easier production of large quantity items. Then slowly, I began seeing that through physical labor, and using a different part of my brain, that I was growing and detaching from myself in freeing and creative ways. Baking is not only therapeutic, as another dear friend and accomplished cook told me it would be, but it is artistic and rewarding in other ways. Seeing, smelling, touching and tasting quick results is such a joy. Learning a new skill in a group with others, and from a woman gifted at teaching and sharing her expertise, has been enormously nurturing for me.

New insights about life pop into my mind daily, which I intend to share on a regular basis through my weekly blog.

Starting this week — and through the summer when I temporarily suspend producing my monthly e-newsletter as I did last year — I will be sending you my shorter snippets of this coaching support each Tuesday. Hopefully, these blog posts will help you move forward or perhaps observe your own lives in new ways. They will arrive in your mailbox as “from Gail Jones” with subject line of “Gail Jones, plus title of that specific blog.” You may choose to unsubscribe if you do not wish to receive these in place of my e-newsletter.

Feel free to post a comment or share one of your own insights at the end of a blog post. It is as easy as clicking on “comment,” typing in your thoughts, and then clicking on “submit.” I would love to hear from you.

I am offering a sample of my most recent blog, Lost And Found. You will find this and other blog posts to be a more intimate look at life’s journeys towards authenticity. As a long-time subscriber to my email newsletter, your feedback would be appreciated.

To the sharing of new life lessons,

Gail

Author:  Gail Kauranen Jones,  Rescripting Success from the Inside Out

www.SupportMatters.com