How many stories are running in your head? How many stories with no true facts behind, just based on a feeling, or on a word that you have interpreted? How many of those do you keep repeating and ruminating over and over again?
If those stories were movies, what would they be? Shining? Psychose? La la land? A fairy tale? A super hero movie?
I can tell you that mines are usually thriller, drama, horror movies.
Those stories are neither true or false. They are a narrative you are building in your mind. Based on your experience. Your current one, but also how you have been raised, what you are afraid of, all the beliefs you have accumulated over the years.
They are ONE perspective.
Let me share some of those, based on my and my clients’ experience.
- My son is harassed at school. I should have seen this earlier. I am a bad mum.
- She did not return my email. I expected she would read between the lines and hear my cry for help. She does not want me in her life.
- I’ve been laid off after 28 years of service. There is no chance I can find a job anytime soon. I am worth nothing.
- I ran a workshop about “women in leadership roles”. I could have done much better. There are so many things I wanted to share with them.
- Who am I to take couple of week break? I have a business to grow!
- I just declined this job offer. I feel bad about it. It was a fantastic opportunity for me to grow in the company.
- I am a baby coach.
- My boss never gives me any feedback on the work I am doing. I think he does not like me.
- I fail working out 3 times a week. I am weak.
Does any of those sound familiar?
Now, picture it. You are sitting on your couch, watching TV. You do not enjoy the program on the screen. Your hand reaches the remote control. Your finger presses a button. And, something else is popping up on the screen. Magical!
Today, I invite you to try this experience.
Intentionally change the channel.
From the WORRIER channel to the WARRIOR channel.
What does it change?
| FROM WORRIER … | … TO WARRIOR |
|---|---|
| My son is harassed at school. I should have seen this earlier. I am a bad mum. | My son is harassed at school. He did not tell me at first. And I recognized the signs something was not going well. I created a safe space for him to express himself, he is opening up and now we are together doing our possible best to help him going through this difficult time. I am a loving mum. |
| She did not answer my email. She does not want me in her life. | She did not answer my email. She must be focusing on something else. I’d love to hear what she is up to. Let me give her a call. |
| I’ve been laid off after 28 years of service. There is no chance I can find a job anytime soon. I am worth nothing. | I’ve been laid off after 28 years of service. Sure I need a bit of time to digest it. This is normal. And I will take this opportunity to reflect on what I really want to go after next and what my unique strengths and talents are. |
| I ran a workshop about “women in leadership roles”. I could have done much better. There are so many things I wanted to share with them. | I ran a workshop about “women in leadership roles”. I received several rewarding testimonials. I am making an impact to help other women grow. |
| Who am I to take couple of week break? I have a business to grow! | I am working hard to grow my business. For the next couple of weeks, I decide to fully enjoy this time out with the family and refresh the energy. |
| I just declined this job offer. I feel bad about it. It was a fantastic opportunity for me to grow in the company. | I just declined this job offer. I have decided that it was more important for me at that moment in time to stay close to my family rather than to spent most of my time in planes. I am consistent with my values. |
| I am a baby coach. | I spent 20 years in a large multinational company leading complex organizations and lifting people up. Coaching is one of many tools I have in my toolbox. |
| My boss never gives me any feedback on the work I am doing. I think he does not like me. | My boss never gives me any feedback on the work I am doing. I decide to go with “silence is approval” for now. And I know it is up to me to ask for feedback in case I really want some. |
| I fail working out 3 times a week. I am weak. | I have worked out 2 times last week. And I spent time with a girlfriend who I did not see for ages. I am persevering! |
It is up to you. You hold the remote control. And guess what, I know that YOU CAN press the button.
So what do you choose?
Your turn.
Tell me a story that you are making up in your mind.
What is the new story when you change the channel?
I’d love to hear from you. Email me: hello@delphineprzenioslo.com
Love,
Delphine