Much love, Shaudeh Farjami

In all honesty, this week’s blog Thursday rolled in way faster than I expected. Typically, I have an inkling a week in advanced about what topic I am going to cover based on what events the incoming week holds. The topic I cover is usually one that I have a better understanding of by the end of the week. I go into every week with an intention to fill a hole in my knowledge of the topic, so that I can thoroughly deliver, discuss, and advise.

I cannot lie, I went into this week with an absurd amount of unknowns and left with even more. That’s normal. I was hoping to come away with clarity, and I was left even more lost than I was to begin with. When I hyper focus on solving a problem, I read too far into the cues.

I guess that goes to say that the best, most valuable experiences come from zero expectation. All my peaks and favorite memories have come unexpectedly. Sporadic plans, meeting someone new, or catching up with someone old. I have found that every time I go into a situation with assumptions, I am usually disappointed. Going into a day with a “cookie cutter” ending is not realistic. This cookie cutter bends the lining however it likes, there’s no boundaries or barriers. When I stay in the moment and roll with the punches, I find myself surprised with the new experiences that come my way. Be open to new paths and new people. You never know where they will come from. Accept every task that life throws at you.

Now I don’t want to be hypocritical. There’s a difference between having zero expectations of the end result, and not taking personal initiative or action. I am by no means trying to say that you should just wait around until an experience comes at you, You need to take absolute initiative in all opportunities. Dancing around a problem is not going to resolve it. Take action, be bold, be transparent, and you will leave the situation with more knowledge about yourself and all parties involved. Negatively or positively.

Yes, sometimes experiences will not necessarily bring out the most positive result or even the most positive quality in yourself, but that’s where the takes place. You have to fumble the bag to figure out how to pick up the pieces. Take a breath, put the highest version of yourself forward, and you are bound to dent that cookie cutter. The worst thing you can do is hold yourself back from a new experience, not shoot a full-out shot, and—- a phenomenon I know all too well—overthink. There is a difference between reasoning with yourself and overthinking. It is a fine, grey line. Have patience, because good things come with time. Nothing positive comes out of living in a rush. Seek the people, places, and things that bring you butterflies. Do not let those people or entities get away… give them your full effort. Take that action.

I know this was short and I know this was vague. Trust me, if I could be more transparent, I would. I just haven’t quite figured this one out. Too many new experiences, too many new feelings, and too many new thoughts to unpack this week. What I do know, is that I’m lucky to be surrounded by the most supportive, patient, and selfless friends who shine their lights on this unknown, dark territory.

Much love,

Shaudeh Farjami