There is always something there

Daily Gratitude: How many times have you looked at something and just scratched your head saying “i just don’t know. I wish I could figure this out.” And the longer you stare at it, the more frustrated you get.

I think that deep down inside you know that there is an answer but for some reason you can’t see it.

Getting frustrated will not help you find that answer. You need to take a break and reset your brain. Try some deep breathing, meditate, go for a walk. Just do something that will both relax you and take your mind off the issue at hand.

When you’re feeling relaxed again go back to the project. But sit or stand some place else (getting a different perspective is vital). Even if you have to move your computer do it.

Now take a minute to thank the situation (yes I know it’s probably an inanimate object but thank it anyway).

Then see if you can retrace the steps that got you there even if those steps are not in your purview.

Also see if you can visualize what it is you want everything to look like once this little bump is taken care of.

Now look at this obstacle and instead of something big think of it as a speed bump in your neighborhood. We had new ones placed over a year ago and they’re horrible. But i eventually figured out the path of least resistance. So now it’s fun. Do the same thing with your problem. Bring it down to size and put it in terms you’re familiar with. Then work on it in a friendly way.

Will these things work? I hope that at least they will help you view the bumps you come across in a more confident manner. You’re as big as they are – there is no obstacle bigger than your brain. You just have to apply your brain differently if the usual way isn’t working.

Most of all have fun with all you do especially your challenges.

Daily Gratitude: Talk about a succinct way to tell us to conquer fear. For it’s fear that keeps us from doing things.

Whenever you think you can’t do something, ask yourself “Why? What is it that is keeping me from even trying this thing I want to do?”

Keep digging deep with your questions. Ask again “what am I afraid of that’s keeping me from doing this? Why am I afraid? Is there something even deeper under that fear that’s the real reason?”

“Is this something I want to do and is it something for which I have a deep passion?”

Once you’re aware of the fears keeping you held back, you’ll be ahead of the game. Now you can attack those fears and the reasons behind them. For that I recommend IFS (Internal Family Systems) because you can learn to do it yourself. But there are other modalities you can investigate.

Don’t take forever analyzing why. That is just a convenient excuse for procrastination. Make up your mind to do that thing you think you can’t. Be a Nike – just do it!

Daily Gratitude: Sometimes an affirmation will show up and I think it’s worth sharing. This is one of those times.

When we’re trying hard to change and want to see evidence of it and nothing happens, what do we usually do?

We think “nothing’s working” and frequently that’s followed by “why bother anymore?”

I know I’ve felt like that and gotten myself all depressed and discouraged. At this point in my life I usually am able to remind myself that thinking that way and allowing my emotions to get so strong is negative and will repel the growth I’m looking for.

Then I remember one of my favorite songs – the Rose. And the concept behind it. Or I can remember the bamboo story. So much is happening behind the scenes or underground but we won’t see evidence of it until gestation is complete and evidence above the surface appears.

Once you’ve planted the seed, follow up with proper watering and sunlight and whatever else is needed for its care (what parts of your growth plan fit in that category?).

Then remind yourself that we don’t have to be like everyone else and demand instant gratification. If you’re following your plan, the growth will occur and results will appear. Mothers want to have their babies “right now” so they can begin to care for them and so they aren’t miserable. But that’s just not the way it works. So think of your growth and change as your baby. It will be delivered when it’s time.