Own Your Story with Resiliency
Sep 09, 2024
Like following the GPS in your car, when you veer off course, the GPS gently nudges you back on track: “Make a legal U-turn or in 400 yards turn right.” When I was younger, I lacked a clear internal GPS and didn’t fully trust my intuition. Right from wrong was often too subtle, so I bulldozed through decisions like it was my obligation. Perseverance became my badge of honor.
If you’ve ever seen a fly persistently banging its head against a closed window, while an open escape is just an inch away, you understand that relentless perseverance isn’t always the best strategy. I’ve certainly faced many metaphorical windows on my winding path of trial and error. What I’ve learned is that intuition often serves better than stubbornness (aka perseverance).
Don’t dwell on your mistakes or missteps. Learn from them, improve and move forward. Your experiences make you a more interesting person in my opinion. I’d love to hear your story, but please share it from a place of ownership rather than playing the victim. It’s okay to feel regret, guilt and grief—pain, I've heard, doesn’t go to waste. Let's face it, we've all been through the wringer as adults.
Tell your story in a way that heals both you and whoever you share that sacred space with. Let your tears flow if needed. Hey, I look for chick flicks that induce a good cry because it's a way for me to thaw the lost parts of myself that went through fight, flight and freeze.
We all have some version of PTSD, so I'll ask you now, "What do you do to maintain your resiliency?" Let me go first. I pray, meditate, workout and create quiet spaciousness. I intentionally bring feelings to the surface to lovingly release unhealed events that hide inside and wreak havoc on my CELLFworth.
In short, remember these three words: Own your story. It's precious. Inspired by the wisdom of Maya Angelou who navigated a wild ride herself, embrace the idea of, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better". Notice there is no attachment whatsoever, so easy! Right? That's resiliency!
