In my previous blog about change and acceptance, I highlighted the importance of acknowledging our sense of loss for “the way things used to be” and the importance of being super-diligent with self-care (not self-scare!). My Triple-A Formula: AWARENESS, ANALYSIS and ACTION is key during the turbulent “neutral zone” time.
One aspect of self-care that is often forgotten is connecting and being aware of our authentic default: our true, “real gut” settings. Through good (but sometimes misguided) intentions of our parents, teachers, and friends, many of us have been encouraged to be what we “should be” not WHAT WE ARE so we need to connect (or re-connect) – default back to YOU. Tuning in to who we are and what we value plays a major role in our ability to cope with change. When we’re not in tune, our lives feels out of balance and extremely stressful, not satisfying. In simple terms, we’re not happy.
Don’t “adjust” to be what you aren’t…be what you are. Diana Krall, Jazz Vocalist
Here are some signs that you are operating in your default settings:
- You have boundless energy
- Your actions seem effortless…they come to you naturally
- Your gut is saying: “Yeah, baby!”
- You’re incredibly happy – you’re smiling!
- You handle adversity with confidence knowing a solution will be found
- You look forward to Mondays/your work day
If you’re out of sorts and are having trouble resetting to your personal default, the practice of mindfulness is a useful tool. One website that I frequently recommend is www.palousemindfulness.com and I also encourage you to watch this informative video: Mindfulness: Being Fully Awake in Our Own Lives.
Change is a disruptor. It challenges you, disturbs you, shakes things up! Conversely, change is also an opportunity to examine exactly where you are in your journey of your career or your life and how you want to move forward. Awareness is key! When we’re not aware of who we are how can we possibly analyze the situation and take action as to where we want to go? Impossible!
When you fully understand what makes you tick and why, you have the necessary grounding to weather the storm, steer the course and emerge even stronger and more confident on the other side!