The dictionary defines the word pivot as “the central point, pin, or shaft on which a mechanism turns or oscillates”. However with the recent tragic passing of Kobe Bryant, the reference to basketball seemed a bit more appropriate to the direction my thoughts were going in this month.

In basketball this term is used to define both the act of keeping one foot in place while moving the other and the actual foot which remains on the ground. The foot chosen is known as the “pivot”, or “pivot foot”, and if it comes off the ground, or otherwise shifts position away from its original spot on the floor, a traveling violation will be called.

This got me thinking. In fact, after I read this definition I stood up, planted one foot solidly in front of me and took the other one and spun it around 180 degrees. Arms floundering everywhere, my body wavering like it was on the high seas, my foot hit the ground. I tried it a few more times and eventually my body didn’t abandon itself but instead with a bit more control I was able to leave my dangling foot in midair for a longer than two seconds whilst the other leg stood firm.

Looking downwards, I found myself focusing on my grounded leg. If I was to move that leg in the athletic sense I would be penalized– did the same apply to life?  In that split moment, it all started to make a bit more sense. I stopped and asked myself, “What are you rooted in?”  What were those core, non-negotiables in my life that grounded me when it felt I was barely hanging onto life by my finger nails? The words started to flood my mind. Laughter, kindness, integrity, connection, love and faith.  These principals were like meat on my plate of life.

Then the next question appeared. If those values were my grounding facets then what was happening with my other leg?

I smiled again as my gaze traveled to my second leg acknowledging a searing truth that I know for sure. I will never be dancer! Like, EVER! But in that moment I could see why this pose was so important to both the dancer and the athlete. It felt like I had discovered a super power. A super power that showed me that once you are grounded you actually have MORE freedom.  A super power to recognize that both stability and freedom come from the same pose. A super power to know that both pain and joy equally share in a space at your table of life.

This week we closed our accreditation successfully and it was a week where I had to pivot in my own perspective. I had to look at challenges as opportunities of growth. Responsibilities as areas to display leadership. I had to Pivot.  In the weeks leading up to the survey and making sure that every ‘I’ was dotted and every ‘t’ crossed, the pressure was building. “Trust… but verify” was the slogan used and accountability can become uncomfortable but so incredibly necessary. I will pause and say here that we have an AMAZING team of professionals at BFC who truly show up every day to do their best and recognize that quality is a journey that is never done!

As we close this successful week of accreditation and as you go about in your coming days, I challenge you to practice this act of pivoting your perspective until you start to feel stronger. Swing your thoughts around and re-conceptualize. Implement this small strategy and see if you find success.

Today is a good day to cut away from your plate any mindset that is no longer being helpful and start the journey of trusting yourself, trusting your own unique journey, trusting if you believe in a higher power, and have the faith that you were made fully equipped with the ability to pivot at any given moment.

Chew on this until we meet back here at the table again.

Rachel xo