I just came to the realization that finding our place in the world is much like trying on jeans.

Think about it. We go through these phases in life where everything just feels right. Regardless of how worn or imperfect, we know that it’s a fit, and feel content…despite any flaws. Then there are those moments when things don’t feel the same. It’s as if the jeans have shrunk or we have gained a few pounds, and all of the sudden the perfect fit becomes constricting and feels claustrophobic.

It’s one of the worst feelings in the world. It confirms for us that something has changed. Usually we are aware of the change as is taking place because it’s an active, obvious change. However, when it’s something that is sudden, it can blindside is. It’s like trying on a pair of skinny jeans when we were expecting relaxed fit. Our reaction is “What the hell?” and we scramble to look for a tag or label, anything that can indicate that the issue isn’t us, but some times it is.

We need to be okay with trying things on, and understand that the first is not always the best fit. At the same time, it would be wreckless to discard a great fit when it’s us that needs to change. It could be your job, your marraige, your friendship… It could be anything.

Change is an essential part of life, so we must be flexible enough to know when to give an extra tug and when it’s just not us anymore.

If you are like me, you probably look back at certain periods in your life and are in complete awe of how amazing your journey has been and how fortunate you are to have so many great people as characters in your story. Remember that they might not star in your current chapter, but it doesn’t mean that they aren’t still important to you, and you to them. Reach out and break the silence. Just because things don’t feel the way they did doesn’t keep them from being great. If we can’t squeeze in them, or them in, maybe they need let out and we need more room to grow. I guess the key is being happy with the fit and ensuring that it doesn’t restict us from doing what/being who we know we should be.

One thing I know for sure is that things often look great, and everyone has their own motivation for influencing our allegiance, but It’s hard to find what feels right, so when you find it, don’t throw it aside and let it be covered by dirty laundry.

I would like to deticate this article to my wife because she gets my metaphors. She once told me that the sweetest thing I ever told her was that she is like my hiking pack. She understood how important the right fit is when you need someone/something to go the distance. Thanks for getting me T!