Ricka Robb Kohnstamm
- Oct 26, 2022
- 3 min read

What more can you see when you step back?

When life is full with all the things, we stay plenty busy keeping all of the loose pieces in place, attempting to stay one step ahead of whatever might be around the corner... trying to find the stray shoe before daycare, submitting the journal paper on deadline, managing the call schedule, creating the next plan to expand the business or keeping the career solid within an ever-changing environment.

And when life slows down and is not so full with all of the things (or some of the busiest-most-time-consuming-things grew up and moved out on their own or others-of-the busy-things put enough money in the bank so that we can comfortably retire), we may find ourselves adrift in space, longing for a bit more of that "we need you" feeling, along with the structure of relationships and purpose.

When our vision is focused on detail, we concentrate on specifics - the crumbs on the counter, the strategic plan that needs to be completed, the shoe that needs to be replaced, the dog food that is almost gone, the groceries and asthma medicine that need to be ordered, reconciling the financial reports.

But exhale a moment and step up and back (as my clients are familiar with me saying)... and now what do you see, from the vantage point of distance?

Ah... that is different.

Now you can see the bigger picture... you can see that you are actually becoming an expert in the field you love, that your children are generally happy and surrounded by people who love them (as imperfect as that might look), that you are working hard to be in a healthy-enough relationship, that this moment in your life is a time to pause and re-energize for what comes next, that you are alive to tell the tale, that you are living (most of the time) in alignment with your values.

When what we see is what is right in front of our noses, we are only seeing part of the picture.

What more do you see when you step back?

Consider these two things...

The details matter. This life is yours to create - pay attention to the details that matter. Do you keep your values front and center? Are you willing to take risks to be in relationship and to live in purpose? Do you focus the right amount of attention on the things that really matter to you?

I will take time to read to my children most nights and tuck them into bed.
I remember that taking a walk most days and scheduling coffee with friends is my oxygen mask; it matters for me, for my family, for my patients/clients, for my coworkers.
I can relax in knowing that being is as important as doing; I have done a lot of the doing and now I can practice the details of being
I will ask for help; I am not the only one who can do most of the things

So does the bigger picture. The details create the bigger picture; continue to check in with yourself to ensure that you feel satisfied with what is being created.

My children are deeply loved and I am teaching them values that will support them through the inevitable ups and downs of life.
My career has evolved in unexpected ways and I continue to feel engaged enough; I can also make room to take care of myself.
I like where I have been, for the most part, and it is up to me to create the next chapter - knowing that pausing and breathing in between may not feel familiar but is healthy
I am fortunate to live in abundance; I will remember that it is a choice to sit in gratitude instead of frustration.