You’re not stuck in a circle, you’re riding an upwards spiral
We’ve all experienced the ever-familiar feeling of frustration and stagnation. The one that makes you wonder, "How am I going through this pattern/cycle again - I thought I healed this?"
We've all been there. Whether it's noticing similar challenges in a new relationship, or feeling like your hard-earned progress in self-acceptance has taken a backseat, it's easy to feel trapped in a never-ending loop of the same old issues.
That's when we find ourselves in what I playfully call the "circle of doom."
The Spiral of Growth: A Visual Metaphor
Picture a spiral, like a tornado. It starts with small circles, one on top of the other, and gradually spirals larger and larger, creating a big funnel. When you look down at it, all you see is one thick circle, which can be frustrating.
However, if you stand straight ahead and gaze at the spiral, you'll realize that it's large and tall. While the pattern may look the same, no circle is in the same place. That's the beauty of your healing journey – you're not experiencing the "same" circle. You've learned, grown, evolved, and moved up the spiral.
As you continue to heal, the relapse and recovery periods become further apart until the spiral eventually evaporates into nothingness. Your growth is real, and it's a continuous journey of self-discovery. It's important to understand that true transformation isn't linear; it's dynamic and layered.
Navigating the Spiral: How to Make Peace with Your Journey
Acknowledge the Spiral: First, recognize that you're not stuck in a never-ending circle; it's a spiral, and this spiral will come to an end. Naming it as a spiral shifts your perspective from stagnation to growth.
Celebrate Your Growth: Reflect on how you're handling this pattern differently than in the past. Acknowledge your growth and evolution. You are different, and that's something to appreciate. Each repetition of the pattern signifies a lesson learned and a step forward.
Commit to Progress: Reaffirm your commitment to moving forward. While it may feel like you're revisiting old challenges, you now have the awareness and tools to navigate them more effectively. Trust in your ability to create positive change in your life.
Seek Support: Consider working with someone who can support you as you navigate the spiral. They can be a mirror for your progress, illuminate blind spots, and help you build a stronger relationship with your intuition as your guiding path forward. Sometimes, an outside perspective can offer invaluable insights.
Psst! I’m here to support you too.
With an absurdly grateful heart, I’m excited to share how we can work together right now. I’m opening up a limited number of 3 - 6 month 1:1 client spots (!!!) for those people ready to receive customzied support on how to unlock the next level of their growth and life.
So if you’re ready to explore what this 1:1 support looks like, email me at hello@oliviaclairehill.com and we can set up a call to get to know each other and I can share more about the 1:1 process!
journal prompts to help you make peace with the spiral
Reflect on Your Spirals of Growth: Take a moment to identify a recurring pattern or challenge in your life that feels like a "circle of doom." Describe it in detail. How have you felt when encountering this pattern repeatedly? What emotions or frustrations arise?
Recognizing Growth: Think about a specific situation in your life where you've noticed a repeated pattern. Now, reflect on how you've handled it differently this time. What have you learned from past experiences that influenced your response? How have you evolved in your approach to this challenge?
Your Personal Growth Journey: Imagine your life as a spiral, with each rotation symbolizing a phase of growth and transformation. Draw your own spiral and mark significant moments or lessons you've learned along the way. What stands out to you as the most significant changes or insights you've gained during your journey?
Commitment to Progress: Consider an area of your life where you feel stuck or challenged. How can you commit to making progress in this area? What specific actions or mindset shifts can you embrace to navigate this part of your spiral with intention and purpose?
Sending you lots of love
