I recently read a short story about a little girl who was sent to live with relatives that she didn’t really know for the summer. On the journey there, she watched the scenery go by and wondered if her life with these relatives would be better or worse than being home with her parents. She didn’t get swept away in anxiety or fear, she was simply curious.
While I read it, I noticed how the little girl allowed her mind to wonder or tell stories (something we all do 100+ times each day) but instead of attaching to one outcome, she had a peace or curiosity about not knowing. And I was impressed with that. In each story, there was clearly one with a better outcome for her than other(s).
After reading, I started to think what it would be like to try and actively practice that. There is no way to not allow your mind drift off and create potential scenarios but what if we could practice not attaching ourselves to them as she did? Mindfully choosing to be curious about what could happen. I realize that in times of stress and anxiety, this is far easier said than done. However, when we are in the midst of learning something or doing something difficult, we are rarely right about how it will end.
Consider a difficult day or situation you had in the last week…. If I asked you while it was happening what the outcome or lesson would be you would likely give me one answer. But if I asked you a day later, a week later or a month later, your answer is likely to be very different.
It is important to remember that when we are in the difficult time/situation, we cannot see it as clearly as we can when it’s over. “Hindsight is 20/20.” When we’re in it, we can’t have all the facts and we can’t know the outcome until something is done/finished/decided. So what would it take for you to give herself permission to believe that a positive (or at least not the worst one you can think of) outcome is possible? In a stressful time, that may be the only comfort or gift you can give yourself.
As always, I’m here. If you are ready to work on having the life you want, call me and let’s get started!