Daily Gratitude: Sometimes you just have to shut the world out. Did you ever think that all the times we say autocorrect messed up that it’s really reflecting what we really meant? I wanted to write “world” in that first sentence and it came out “work” which is also pertinent.

I deleted that and hit some keys and it popped up “Epeb” which none of you would understand but it was probably the thing that caused the most difficulty for me at work. How did autocorrect know to pick that word? Perhaps it’s Freud’s mind repurposed into an AI machine.

But of course I digress. Maybe digression is what we’re in need of. Anything to just get away. Getting away can simply be going within. Meditation or breath work can help you escape although I’m sure meditation teachers wouldn’t approve of my saying that.

Do you have time that you spend with just yourself? Or is it possible that’s more scary than just continuing to be your harried self ? Looking inside can be frightening especially if you’re not used to it. It can be like deciding to clean out the attic, not knowing what dead animals or bugs or what you’ll find in and amongst those cobwebs.

It’s also possible that all that’s inside you is not stillness. I know that often my parts are running around frantically and are anything but calm and still. That was a reason I couldn’t meditate and stay still. Then I realized they just wanted attention and when I did start to meditate, or be quiet, and “go within”, they calmed down and behaved hoping I would talk with them – and show them love.

Even if you don’t believe in parts or IFS, is there some reason you won’t find the time to go within? Take a look at that question and see what you find.

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!