Trust the Process
If you Google “Trust the Process” you’ll find a lot of articles around the Philadelphia 76ers. Apparently, several years ago they have a horrible season and this phrase was used often to encourage fans to hang in there. I’m indifferent about NBA, and honestly rolled my eyes when I was reading how this phrase became a thing for them. This phrase was coined much earlier, and in a vastly different space.
When I was an undergraduate student, over 16 years ago, I remember this phrase being used throughout my outdoor education classes. When facilitating groups through sequential challenge course programming, this phrase was used ad nauseum. Participants either loved and embraced it or threatened you to never utter those words again. It was always in jest. Truly, it was a mantra for me for a long time.
Now in my practice as a Consultant, I often find myself saying this to the parents I work with. Or, if I’m not saying it, the program their loved one just enrolled in uses it incessantly. As an objective advocate, I get parents to turn to me and ask why it’s a commonly used phrase. Some, who consider themselves philosophical really think through what it could mean. Their full acceptance and commitment in participating in the program typically follows shortly after. These are the families that are also grateful for the experience and accepting of how it transpires in the end – regardless of the outcome. Others who are matter of fact and anxious, really struggle. They reflect and seek clarification. What do you mean when you say “trust the process?” I really love sharing my perspective on the meaning.
It’s such a simple expression. It’s about letting go of expectations and being willing to accept that unknown. It’s embracing the ambiguity and learning to let go of your fears. It plants the seed that life is not linear, and we need to learn to welcome the ups and downs. Whatever journey you’re on right now, is also a process. Trust what comes. It may get worse before it ever gets better, but you hold on to the hope that it will get better. You don’t step in to drive a situation, like you may have normally. You let things play how they are supposed to organically without your interruption. Participating in a treatment program has some normal milestones of struggle and backslide, but it’s a reminder that everyone is different. It may not be this way for your child, as it was for someone else’s. You are opening yourself up to the universe, and all you want is for things to get better. For that to happen, you must trust the process. It is much easier said than done.
For questions or comments contact Joanna.
