Life is a Labyrinth

“Labyrinths have existed in virtually every period in history and most cultural communities for 3500 years. A labyrinth is an ancient symbol of wholeness. Also, a sacred tool viewed as a metaphor for life's journey.

The ancient and powerful tool is unicursal, offering only one route to the center and back out again. Walking the labyrinth you meander through each of the four quadrants several times before reaching your goal. The labyrinth offers you lessons as you walk the path and can assist you in addressing challenges, meditate, pray and find peace and serenity.”

While visiting the New Age Health Spa in Neversink, New York, I walked along the Labyrinth different paths.

When I first arrived at the Labyrinth it looked like the skies would open up and pour with rain. I started walking the paths, thinking about what was happening in my life. As I kept walking , it seemed that the middle, even though it was in sight, appeared to be unreachable.

After awhile the only thing I was focusing on was getting to the middle before it started raining. In my haste, I tripped and fell. All of a sudden it hit me, walking along the Labyrinth’s different paths, is like our life's journey. We keep reaching for goals, sometimes we fall or stumble, but we do our best to move forward, even if it feels like a storm is brewing or our goal is unobtainable.
Eventually, I reached the middle, stayed a few seconds and turned to leave. It was like I reached my goal and was looking for the next big dream. The walk back was quick and the rain held off until I got back into the comfort of the spa.

Working with unemployed clients is similar to walking a Labyrinth. Some connections lead to interviews, new jobs and others to dead ends. My clients at times may fall, but they will get back up and keep walking along the different paths until they reach their goal.

Each new day can be the beginning of your walk on a labyrinth. Take your first step with the belief that the different paths will eventually lead to your goal of finding a job.

Here are three small steps you can take to make the walk, a happy memory:

• Keep a list during the day of things that made you happy and review them before going to sleep. Becoming aware of your happy moments will remind you that life is not so bad.
• Call a friend and have a good laugh. When we laugh it decreases our stress level and as they say, “Laughter is the best medicine.”
• Take a 10 minute daily mini-vacation to do whatever you want. A mini-vacation is time alone which empowers you to feel relaxed. Examples: take a walk, read a book, meditate, etc.

Keep creating and thinking about new possibilities that are on your horizon.

Good Luck!

About Love Yourself Coaching, LLC:
Helen J. Burton received her certifications as a Coach from iPEC and ICF. She is a Love Yourself Coach working with individuals through tele-circles, teleclasses, workshops and one-on-one coaching, Helen offers tools and techniques that empower you to find your perfect job or create a business that is beyond your wildest dreams .