When you’re crossing a life bridge...
...it can feel a bit unsteady at times. It's time to look into this closer for a better perspective, and some…truth.
Your lifestyle is how you live life every day, in any life area. How you live out every day physically, is your physical lifestyle. How you live out every day spiritually, is your spiritual lifestyle. How you live out every day financially, is your financial lifestyle. You get the picture.
Whatever bridge you find yourself on or facing, your “lifestyle” will greatly impact how well you cross it. Some of the things that support your lifestyle are your core beliefs, values, habits, commitment, support systems, self-care, and self-talk. This is huge! It takes purpose, intentionality, and authenticity to live a lifestyle you love…forward…regardless of any bridge you face.
To withstand the challenges that will come (and they will), ask yourself daily:
- What shapes the way I make decisions and move forward on this?
- Where am I placing my trust as I step into this new territory?
- Which past experiences have prepared and strengthened me for this time?
- What other life areas will this impact?
- Who will I share this time with?
The stronger your foundation, preparedness, and lifestyle…the more stable your steps become, even when unexpected challenges hit.
Pillars of a Strong Foundation
Whether your next bridge to cross is of choice or “assignment” you want it to be secure. Secure bridges that stand the test of time, are built on sturdy pillars. In life, these pillars act as momentum builders, because they keep you steady and give you the endurance to cross with confidence. While there are a few more, let’s explore four key pillars of impact:
Clarity of Purpose
If this is a bridge you’re choosing, you must know where you’re going. Without a clear destination (of choice), your bridge is simply…a structure. The same goes for your journey. Knowing why you’re moving forward gives strength for your commitment and your steps.
Take time to reflect:
What is your deeper reason for crossing this bridge? Maybe it’s a career shift, a healthier lifestyle, or stepping into a calling that’s been on your heart for far too long. Now, go deeper. Defining your purpose for crossing helps to create a solid foundation for the journey ahead, especially when you get tired or discouraged.
If this is a bridge set before you, that you must cross, you may not know exactly where you’re being taken. This can bring up feelings of doubt, among others things.
Take time to ponder and pray: What’s calling you forward? What’s leading you there? In this case, do you trust the structure you’re about to step on? Getting clarity around and trusting that there is a purpose forward (even if you don’t know to where), helps to create that solid foundation you need.
Reslient Mindset
Every bridge is tested by wind, storms, and weight. The strong ones don’t crumble under pressure. The same is true for your mindset. A resilient mindsent and perspective helps you adapt to challenges and obstacles that test your ability and commitment, instead of being stopped by them.
Practical step:
When challenges arise, shift your focus from “Why is this happening?” to, “What will I learn in this? What can I use to keep walking?” A resilient mindset allows you to see and experience these things as part of your unique journey, not a reason to stop walking. You know you’ll be even stronger afterward.
Intentional Habits
Your daily choices and actions (lifestyle) help reinforce the structure that supports your bridge. Habits…whether healthy or unhelpful…shape how you move forward. Strengthening your foundation means intentionally choosing habits that encourage and sustain your growth. And when your habits are in alignment with who you are, it’s easier to stay on track with your unique journey. It just feels good.
Ask yourself:
"Are my current habits reinforcing my steps, or making my bridge harder to cross?" Simple, consistent changes, like prioritizing rest, practicing gratitude, or setting and honoring boundaries…help fortify your foundation, and keep your strides more natural.
A Strong Support System
No bridge just stands out there…alone…nothing to support it. Support beams, cables, and reinforcements hold it together. The same is true for your bridge. Here, your journey is strengthened by the people who stand for you. The right community offers encouragement and accountability. A mentor or coach can offer wisdom and walk with, and even guide you along.
Action step:
Surround yourself with people who uplift you and challenge you to keep walking. I’m not talking about people who agree with everything you say and do. Atta-girl, and atta-boy encouragements won’t get you far. Seek mentors, coaches, or trusted friends who can support your best habits, and reinforce your foundation when doubts creep in. Who might that be, for this time?
Strengthening What’s Already There
The best part? You don’t have to start from scratch at every bridge. When you know who you are, you know that you already have tools and resources for a strong start. You just need to tap into “yourself” and reinforce them. Here are a few ways to strengthen what’s already in your toolbox:
- Look up to look within: Know where your strength comes from. When you tap into “yourself” you want to see a reflection of your Creator…the One who knows the plan and purpose for your life. Pray and ask God for wisdom and guidance.
- Review past victories: Reflect on times when you’ve successfully navigated change. Be grateful! What helped you stay steady then? How did you come out stronger? How can you carry that forward?
- Identify and close gaps: What areas feel weak right now? Maybe it’s mindset, clarity, or consistent habits. Acknowledging gaps allows you to know when and where to rebuild with purpose. Rebuild when and where needed.
- Take one intentional step: Instead of overwhelming yourself with a complete overhaul for the entire journey, choose one small action today to strengthen your foundation and move forward. Do it again tomorrow. And the next day. And…forward.
Walking Forward with Confidence
Remember, there are no guarantees in life. Just because you crossed a bridge once, doesn’t mean you won’t need to do it again. (I know, right?)
A bridge built to last doesn’t just support one crossing. It’s designed to hold up for this time, and the next time. And the next. When you take time to really know and reinforce your foundation, you’re not just preparing for one transition. Oh my goodness, no. You’re creating or being offered a solid path for today’s steps, and the future’s possibilities.
You never know where life leads. You just might need (or get) to circle back…or even cross the same type of bridge somewhere down the road. Stronger. Better. More JOY-filled. Yaas!
Which of the pillars could use your attention right now? What plan can you put in place to help? Who do you need to be with you, in this time?
Be prepared.
If you need guidance in clarifying and strengthening your foundation, I’m here to help.
Your Next Step: Bridge to Breakthrough Chat
A strong foundation begins with clarity and support. If you’re standing at the edge of a life transition and want to ensure your bridge is built to last, let’s talk.
Schedule a complimentary Bridge to Breakthrough Chat, where we’ll explore where you are, what foundation you’re working with, and how to strengthen it for confidence that lasts.
I mean…don’t you want to be confident on your bridge, and cross it with…strength and JOY? (Eh-hem)
Schedule Your Complimentary Chat Here. I may not be offering these at no cost much longer. Yikes!
Keep walking!
I believe:
- you were uniquely created by God
- your identity is key to everything you do in life
- you are here to make an impact...on purpose
- your impact has a ripple impact forward
- life and all of it's transitions, are best viewed from a bridge perspective
- life is better when you orchestrate it, vs trying to balance it
- you can live a healthy, whole life
- you can live a JOY-filled life
- I'm here to help
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