Extra Firm

After a couple of recent overnight stays at various places, something became very evident to me. That is, we needed new pillows for our bed.

The ones we had were once big and full and comfy. And now, our heads were sinking to the bottom with little support.

When I went shopping for new pillows, I was surprised to find that the ones I believed would do a good job were labeled “extra firm.” Typically, this was a label I would avoid when buying pillows.

Somehow that description sounded hard, uncomfortable and for some reason very undesirable.

Since the pillows were exactly what I was looking for, I ignored the description and made the purchase.

I slept much better that night. While I generally sleep good, this elevated my experience.

There was no adjusting, manipulating or trying to contort things to obtain the comfort and support I desired.

The next day, I pondered this idea of “extra firm.” I thought about other areas of life where this has shown up for me. Things like:

• Extra firm parenting.

• Extra firm discipline.

• Extra firm in my faith.

As I reflected on this, I realized that these were all things that have served me well. Suddenly I had a new perspective on how others may perceive them as hard, uncomfortable and even undesirable.

The truth is, sometimes the things we really want are obtained in ways that seem counterintuitive.

This reminds me of when I was coaching someone who resisted creating a schedule for themselves because it felt too rigid.  When they finally did, it actually gave them the freedom and flexibility they wanted.

Life is good and full of paradoxes.

Is there an action or decision you need to rethink?

Maybe something to sleep on?

Wow . . .

“Live and rest well.”

Here’s to more WOW Moments!

💛 Lucy