The Shadows Aren't for You
Navigating transitions.. don't hide, you're not meant for the shadows..
Hi there ๐๐พ welcome to this weekโs newsletter, itโs so great to have you here. Today Iโll be unpacking navigating transitions; specifically on letting go of who you thought you were to arise to who youโve been created to be. Get comfortable, and happy reading!
Letting go of who you thought you were to who you really are
It can be hard when youโve gotten used to showing up as a certain version of yourself that no longer reflects who you really are. Transitioning from who you thought you were to who you really areโฆ
This is a journey that I truly believe is ongoing. There will always be learning, unlearning and re-learning, and Iโll like to share my story with you. Growing up I had always been quite assertive. Iโm the girl who would make random friends on holidays and Iโve always loved connecting with people. But over time, that changed. I became shy, less expressive and a shadow of myself.
I wonder what I was saying here but I think you understand my point, I loved talking, I was very expressive and my dress says a lot really, I lived life in colour, I was myself. In 2020, I had a strong desire to seek God more and have an understanding of my purpose. Why Iโm here, what Iโm called to do and so much more. The more time I spent with God, the more He began to show me aspects of myself that make me who I really am. I realised the new desire to truly live my life was found in building my relationship with God and understanding my identity in Him.
Iโll provide some more context. Iโve always been a Christian, and I decided to be intentional about my relationship with Jesus when I was around 13 or so. But over time I realised though I had accepted Him, I wasnโt accepting the complete life He has for me. I was still stuck in a cycle of constant negative thoughts, people-pleasing etc and I found it hard to come out. In 2020 I decided to fully accept this new and complete life and Iโve never looked back. The more time I spent studying the Bible and having time for deep reflection, my mind became renewed and I began to unlearn patterns that had developed over time. This is what I mean by a new and complete life, one that is constantly navigated through Godโs perspective. Moving with deep trust in God and remembering that His plans for me are better than anything I could imagine, I only need to trust and take it a day at a time.
Coming out of the Mould
Itโs easy for us to succumb to a mould and not want to move past previous limitations, mindsets, and beliefs that weโve become so used to but are far from who we really are. But my question is, will you choose to let go of the old and step into the new?
Each of us has potential, but we all decide how much of that potential will manifest on earth- Dr Myles Munroe.
Think of cake batter, unless itโs put into an oven, undergoes heating and a process of baking, it will never be edible. Itโs the same for us, we need to undergo a process of pruning, shedding, and letting go of dead weight so we can truly actualise our potential. Examples of dead weight could include self-imposed limitations on your capabilities and not having an appropriate environment to foster optimal growth.
This is a picture from when I first started to speak publicly and I spoke on โIdentityโ. I had never done this before, but in retrospect this day symbolised me remembering who I really am- one who is confident and bold.
Itโs easier said than done but I believe itโs worth the try, to begin again. Iโm currently on the journey of learning to take ownership of who God has called me to be. What I mean by this is, not hiding, but stepping out and taking those baby steps. Iโm recognising what I carry and what I have within me and not downplaying how far Iโve come. I think itโs so important for us to decide how we truly want to live our lives. Youโre not too young or old to decide to live intentionally, discover your purpose, and dare to dream again. Itโs not too late, you can start today. I remember questioning if I was really ready to launch the Uncovered Conversationsโ Instagram page. But Iโm learning that readiness can only be determined by God really. He knows when itโs best for us to execute.
Accepting Transitions
Transitioning is beautiful. I see it as you recognising and accepting that a certain season, way of life whatever it means to you really, has come to an end and itโs time for a new chapter to begin. As I write this I canโt help but think of how a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. I love analogies so stay with me.
A caterpillar goes into a cocoon at some point before it emerges as a butterfly. In practical terms, I see this as the stage between when we choose to come out of the shadows, open up, and see where we go. Coming out of our shells needs to happen at some point, itโs a shell, it contains you and if we stay in then thereโs only so far we will go.
It can be painful as well! Because youโre letting go of the life youโve known for something new. But Iโm learning that as long as I live my life surrendered to God I know my path will always be beautiful. Life may not go as planned, but I know God will always have more in store for me.
So my question for you today is, will you choose to lean into the transition? Or would you stay in the shadows? The shadows arenโt meant for you, letโs collectively choose to step out, I believe in you. As I round off todayโs letter here are some words to hold unto as you go into a new week.
The shadows are not meant for you, come into the light. I see Jesus as the light, the one who guides my path and shows me the way to go. As I have chosen His path for me, Iโve seen what true life looks like.
Allow yourself to evolve, life is a journey and there is always so much more. Donโt be afraid of change, sometimes itโs a necessary spur for new growth.
There is no one else like you, you carry unique solutions, and ideas that the world is yet to encounter. Let us experience this, take it step by step.
Iโll love to hear your thoughts, are you currently navigating a transition? Is there something you need to let go of thatโs holding you back?
Share your thoughts below! Iโll love to hear your perspective.
And donโt forget to bring someone along on this journey
Resources ๐
Here are some resources that have helped me navigate transitions and begin to develop a better understanding of my purpose.
Book: The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren: this book is simply amazing! I read it when I started to think more about the meaning of purpose. Iโll highly recommend it.
Video: Stewarding Transitions by Stephanie Ike: I listened to this when I had finally accepted the season of stillness God was calling me to. I shared more on this in my last newsletter, hereโs the link if you missed it.
Video: Understanding the Purpose of Your Life by Dr Myles Munroe: I listened to this recently and wow, this has to be one of the best messages Iโve heard on purpose in a while. I got the quote I shared earlier on from here and he explained purpose so well.
I hope you enjoy these resources, let me know if you use any of them. Till the next letter, Iโll see you soon.
Love,
Rhieme
The shadows are not meant for you, come out into the light. Shells are meant to be broken. You canโt even eat a Lobster or shrimp if you donโt crack itโs shell ๐งก
I love what you wrote on trusting God as you transition through the seasons of life. Iโve learnt that trust comes with surrendering (as you mentioned) as well as having confidence in Gods abilities to guide you as you bloom into who youโre meant to be