One simple shift you can make to feel better.

From Life Notes from a Life Coach,
A regular column by Sarah Pond, Sep 29, 2002         

Summary: Why you will feel a lot more satisfied when you simply know who you (really) are...

 
When we stand on our own two feet on solid ground and take steps forward towards a goal, our path forms beneath us. We know who we are , where we're at and where we are going. The sense of security, certainty and satisfaction that comes from this process can't be beat.

The opposite sensation may be familiar, too.

Tumbling pell mell through our days, not at all sure of our destination, overwhelmed by the struggle to just stay afloat in a storm of events, people, emotions and needs. How does that make you feel? Lost, desperate, fearful, resentful, dismayed?

There are infinite benefits of knowing absolutely who you are and where you are going. Being centered in this self-knowledge allows for a deep and ongoing sense of contentment. In fact, when you can walk tall through your day connected to this knowledge, you will be able to easily achieve one of life's peskiest challenges:

Respond versus react

There you are toodling along your merry (or not-so-merry) way. And someONE or someTHING jumps up in your face and pokes at you. Maybe it's an ex calling you up; perhaps the car won't start. Your boss is treating you weirdly; your kid gets in trouble; your partner has a meltdown; that pain in your joints is worse; the cat threw up on the rug. Whatever. You were getting along fine - and something has to happen to upset you. Great.

So, naturally, you react. You already know what reaction feels like: out of control, intense, dramatic, sudden, all-engulfing, overwhelming. You yell, you cry, you shake, you rage, you whine, you pout. Maybe you explode; maybe you implode. Either way, it feels very BIG when you're in it and feels very crappy when it ends.

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What if you decide to respond? Instead of allowing yourself to be buffeted by the whims of people and circumstances, you stand steadfast. You are certain of who you are and where you are going, and this pesky person / event cannot shake you from your footing.

Yes, you may treat whatever comes up with gravity. It might be serious; you may need to drop everything and ATTEND to it. Go ahead - it won't knock you from your path. You can be flexible AND steadfast simultaneously, you know.

Responding feels good - even in difficult situations. It also feels right, true, manageable, in integrity, certain, strong. Afterwards, you feel fine. In fact, you probably feel stronger and surer.

Responding feeds your soul and gives you energy. Reacting drains you and leaves you depleted. Which will you choose today?

So take a breath or two or ten; remember who you really are; have the INTENTION of responding; and go for it. I'll bet that you'll be amazed at the response to your response!

All the best,
Sarah

p.s. Why not click here to discover how coaching can benefit you You can be coached for FREE from the comfort of your phone.

p.p.s. What is ONE thing you want to develop in your life? Email me with your answer, I'd love to know! (magnet@uniserve.com)

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