Hurdle #3: Rootlessness

The imagery of an air plant is a great way to look at rootlessness. Air plants adapt to the environment around them where they find themselves. Many air plants are rootless and are blown to and fro by the wind. The air plants that do have a root that shoots out, attaches itself to the tree or building it is sitting on, so it is not so easily blown away. Air plants receive its nutrients from the rain, air particles, and light to live.

Rootlessness is having no basis of stability and is focused on what you lack. You encounter unexpected and unwanted things where you feel not in control. Simple tasks in a new place can cause you to feel rootless especially if you think you should know how to accomplish the task. Your fears and worries can become magnified or intensified. The lack of community and belonging, where you are known causes you to feel rootless.

What does stability look like for you?

Gratitude is a wonderful stabilizer.

Comments

You Are Not A Role

You are not your job title. You are not your productivity. You are not only the caretaker, the leader, the helper, the strong one. Those may be things you do —beautifully, even sacrificially—but they are not the whole story of who you are. Your worth is not defined by your output. Your identity is not limited to your roles. Coaching begins when we ask: What would it look like to live from that truer self, even just a little more today?

October Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER The Saga Continues… The trip to Malaysia consisted of a two-day spiritual retreat with the theme of ‘Come Away With Me’ and a six-day conference with about 230 missionaries who serve in some aspect of translating the Scriptures. One of the many people who I met was a missionary who served in Cameroon for many years and now is in a new role. As he was sharing, most his words were very negative and depressive. I encouraged him to sign up for a time of prayer and care. At the end of the retreat, this missionary shared with me that he did have a session and I could see that his whole countenance changed, and he was hopeful. His new word he used to describe where he was now is ‘delightful.’ Our time there was creating a safe space for these missionaries to have a place to share what they are struggling with and to connect with Jesus. One missionary is at a crossroads in her life. Another finds himself in the midst of betrayal. A missionary is in a new role as a caregi...

How to Say No Without Losing Yourself or the Relationship

For many of us, saying no doesn’t feel simple. It feels risky. Vulnerable. Uncomfortable. Maybe even unsafe. We worry: Will they be disappointed? Will I lose connection? Will I look selfish or unhelpful? Will this cost me an opportunity? And underneath those fears is something deeply human: we all want to belong — without abandoning ourselves to do it. Learning how to say no is not about becoming rigid or distant. It’s about honoring your voice, power, and relationships — all at the same time. It’s about choosing truth over approval — while staying kind. Here’s how to begin. Step 1: Notice the Pause Before the Yes Most of us say yes automatically. The request comes in and our mouth moves faster than our internal check-in. Practice creating a pause — even a sentence like: “Let me think about that and get back to you.” “I need to look at my schedule first.” “I want to be thoughtful and/or pray before I commit.” ...

Shannon's Corner

Search This Blog