And the seasons, they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
We’re captive on the carousel of time
We can’t return. We can only look behind
From where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game.
Lyrics by Joni Mitchell

A friend said today that “she felt like she was running in circles and getting nowhere on her goals.” Yes, she’s had some trying circumstances this past year, but when I look at her what I see is movement, shift, expansion and a beautiful unfolding.

When we are reinventing ourselves, trying to accomplish something new-for-us, we tend to think that things should move in a straight line. Nothing organic ever does.  Julia Cameron – she of the magnificent “The Artist’s Way” – said that “Growth is an erratic forward movement: Two steps forward and one step back. Remember that and be very gentle with yourself.”

Sounds like the recipe for a cha-cha-cha to me. Mojitos, anyone?

Here’s my suggestion when you feel like you are going in circles:

1. Is the circle getting smaller and smaller, as if you are heading down the toilet? If the answer is yes, get help. A professional, trusted family member, or friend.
2. Is it the same old circle? Then get off the carousel, even if you have to jump. Tuck and roll, baby!
3. Is the circle expanding?  Is anything different, even slightly? Look back and see how far you’ve come. Take time to give yourself a pat on the back. Open a bottle of bubbly! Then, set more goals and keep going.

When we are focused on a goal, or a dream, it’s easy to lose track of everything else we are accomplishing – the other vital pieces of our puzzle that will nurture us and help us get where we want to go. And always remember to take time to stop and smell the flowers. Many of which, by the way, open in a spiral.

XO Donna