Backwards Isn't Always The Wrong Direction

Good morning, everyone!

Lately, I've begun implementing some self-care activities into my day-to-day. Some of these include making friendship bracelets, which I used to make all the time in high school! They involve some colorful yarn, braided into knots to make vibrant designs. Below is one that I finished recently for myself.

After wrapping up this one, I decided to make a few bracelets for my friends. She requested a diamond design, and I was thrilled! I hadn't made this one in forever, despite it being my favorite. The only thing is that it was the most complicated design. But I dove right in, eager. I didn't fully remember everything, but I trusted that I'd figure it out along the way. My fingers would recall what to do.

Unfortunately, I was a tad too confident. I made a miststep and realized far too late. To fix the mistake, I'd have to take a long, skinny piece of metal (like a safety pin, or in my case, my earring back) and carefully untie each knot. This would take me an hour, maybe more, and I gritted my teeth in frustration. However, if I didn't go backwards and try again, the design wouldn't be right. And so, I set aside some time the next day to unravel everything I had done. It was annoying that I had spent so much time creating something, only for it to be taken apart in the end. I willingly took apart my beautiful creation in order to try again.

As I untangled the wild yarn and took apart the bracelet, one row at a time, I realized that there was a simile there. A connection, of sorts. Currently, I am going through some life changes, which I shared in my blog post, Sometimes In Life, You Must Roll With The Punches. During this period of transition, I feel as though I am going backwards. It's stressful and confusing. Like a big waste of time. But what I'm trying to remind myself is that going backwards isn't always the wrong direction. In some instances, you must pause, take a deep breath, and unravel what you've created. Whether that's a career change (like me), a breakup, moving cities, states, or countries, downsizing (also like me), or having to reassess your entire person. Life is not a straight line. Sometimes you have to turn around and start again. And that's okay. You're not a failure. You're human, and you're learning. I haven't completed my friend's bracelet yet. In fact, it's still a beginning, back to the initial first steps. I'll return to it again, and I'll do it right this time. If I make another mistake? That's fine. I'll just start again. I've done it before, and I can do it again. Have a lovely weekend, everyone!

Probably writing, Brittney