croundballetworks.comFlexibility has never been one of my strong points. When Itook ballet, I always envied the girls who had the high arabesques or grandronde de jambs. I had the desire, even the tenacity, just not the elasticmuscles, it seemed. With lots of practice and patience, I did get a lot better.I was no Gumby, though. I no longer do ballet, but I still have the flexibilityissue, except this time it’s not physical, it’s emotional. Today I envy the laid back people who aren't bothered by change or obstacles. I’d like to be ableto “roll with the punches” better than I do.I’ve been trying to improve it cognitively, but the only wayto really improve it is experientially. Just like in ballet, you have to “practice,”which involves stretching yourselfto get better.One medical dictionary defines flexibility as “the quality of being readily bent without tendency to break.” Indeed, many people are broken by their lack of flexibility. In this day and age, it is not only a vital career skill, it’s a vital life skill.Abby Kohut, or Absolutely Abby, as she’s better known, talksa lot about flexibility in the corporate world. In her post, Hurdlesor Opportunities, she mentions how during interviews potential bosses willtest your “The goal is foryou to demonstrate your friendliness and flexibility at all times and NEVER actas if you are irritated with or impatient about their decisions, because thatwill take you out of the running faster than you can imagine. Instead, keepsmiling and keep the stories you share during your interviews consistent. Mostof all, enjoy the journey…”It’s funny because as I was writing this post, my boyfriendhappened to see what I was writing and said he disagreed. He pointed out theother evening when I was cooking dinner.Every Friday I like to cook a new dish. It’s always anadventure, because I’m not the most experienced in the kitchen. This pastFriday I made salmon. I quickly realized I didn’t have all the tools necessaryfor the dish. He laughed incredulously as I fumbled with a dull knife to cutoff the skin. He said he watched as I made do with what I had. We wolfed itdown. It turned out incredible.I point this out not just because I’m proud of my dish, butbecause I think everyone can point to a time when they were more flexible thanother times. Everyone has the capacity for rolling with the punches. Beingrelaxed and open are two of the keys I can think of. When I’m rigid and close-mindedit makes it near impossible to roll with the punches. When I’m relaxed and opento new possibilities it is much easier.Things are always going to change. The ability to takethings as they come is a valuable life and career skill. I’m trying to figureout how to keep my cooking mindset. Keeping a light heart and relaxed spiritseems to be the trick.c. 2012

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