I also read magazine after magazine. Looking at all of this mess, I realize that I’m seeking a golden nugget of knowledge, that key that will push me over the edge to finally lose the weight, become more disciplined and focused, meet a great man, and generally have the life of my dreams (which looks, oddly enough, like the photos in Sunset Magazine – NW edition).
A few months ago I read something (in a magazine) that slapped me in the face: people change because of how they feel, not because of what they know.
Hmmmmmm I spend a lot of time and money distracting myself so I won’t feel my feelings. And I know I’m not alone here.
Every week I talk to people who are hesitant to face their feelings or who are numb. Something is wrong at work, or in their relationship, or in some other aspect of their life, but they cringe and don’t want to dive down too deep. It’s too scary or sad or frustrating to examine what’s going on.
What if it’s time to leave their company and find somewhere else with opportunity for growth? How would it feel if they acknowledged they’re bored – would that mean they’re lazy? What if they ended their unfulfilling relationship - would they meet someone new? It feels like opening Pandora’s box.
We find ways to not feel our feelings because our feelings are often painful. But it’s important to accept and honor our feelings. There’s a great quote:
Change will come when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.
We’re having feelings for a reason, and if we ignore them, we’re ignoring a powerful catalyst for change. I used to tell my staff, you can’t fix what you won’t acknowledge.
So, what are you feeling? Or are you employing techniques to avoid feeling your feelings such as searching for answers outside yourself in books or your horoscope, vegging in front of the tv, shopping, playing video games?
As part of your spring cleaning, wake up and tune back in to yourself. Take stock of what you’re really feeling and identify doable actions you can take now to begin to address the areas that need sprucing up. Embrace any pain that comes up and recognize it for what it is – a sign that it’s time for change.
As always, I’d love to support you on your journey. Contact me.