Feelings can play a significant role in our choices. I try to be rational and make healthy choices, but those pumpkin cheesecake cookies looked so intriguing that making smart decisions went out the window. I do not know about you, but when I am angry with myself or overwhelmed, I tend to withdraw. Sometimes I step back to reflect further on a situation, and sometimes I am just numb and do not feel like adulting that day.
Are you tired of your current situation?
It is okay to take the time to contemplate, but there is a danger of becoming stagnant. If you disconnect from your feelings for too long, apathy can take root.
Are you losing interest and enthusiasm in pursuing your goals?
Do the work to uncover the root cause of the feelings. Perhaps you do not feel that you deserve success. Maybe your "get up and go," got up and went. Ask yourself if there is someone for whom you pull out all the stops, no matter how tired you are.
Why not do this for you?
You are worthy. If you give up, you have no idea the impact you could have made. There are many talented people out there who may have similar goals or plans, but they do not bring your unique perspective. Only you can be you.
But, and there is always a but – we love to luxuriate in our shortcomings. Selective Memory, the movie, only replays highlights of all the bad parts. We enjoy reliving our failures because we can prove to ourselves that we are not worthy. We were losers even to think it could be done.
What are you afraid of?
My girlfriend and I love to come up with acronyms. She told me about one for F.E.A.R. - False Evidence Appearing Real. Maybe it is time to take another look at what you thought happened in the past. Perhaps there is something you overlooked. My little one is obsessed with a game. He was upset and complained that he was a failure. He had used all his resources in the game and did not get the one thing he wanted. I asked him about the other items that he did get, but his selective memory refused to acknowledge them. He restocked and noticed that something was ready to be opened. He expected it to be something “lame.” Surprise! It was better than he expected. The lousy mood vanished, and he was full of excitement. Hopefully, unlike my child, you will not only be excited about the good things in your life, but you will always remember the triumphs that occur with the defeats.
Are you ready to have an open mind or like my son, do you expect things to be “lame?”
You should always be ready for success. No one knows the future, so any ideas about your path are assumptions. When you are car shopping with a particular model in mind, they will be all you see on the road.
What would happen if you did not limit yourself? What is your truth?
You may be surprised that another make and model is a better fit. You do not have to apologize to anyone for changing your mind. Embrace your inner child – the wonder, not the temper tantrums.
What’s next? The only thing constant is change. Do not be afraid of change and do not be scared to change. Things change all the time and so can you. When you face your fears, and when you are willing to confront your feelings, you can start to make changes. Let go of attachments. Many times we are attached to things because of our thoughts. We tell stories about ourselves, and we believe them. The pen is in your hand. What new story will you write for yourself?
