working through challenges

“Don’t fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.” ~Unknown

most of come into this world without flaw. for some of us though, life indiscriminately creates trauma, wounds us, cripples us, thwarts us, terrorizes us, and drops us unknowingly like a to-go bag tossed out the window. this often just starts the challenging part of our journey, as we have to carry on as though nothing has happened. the world around seems thoroughly unaware that the slower pace we have, the longer time we require to connect the dots, the lack of rebound we demonstrate in simple situation is often the direct result of changes to our hardwiring due to our path.

just as often, we seem just as unaware. we see life as hard, tedious, flat, low on hope mostly because we prefer not to feel any more loss. i’m not sure for other just when the mediocre fades and the light comes on. for me, the last 10 years have seemed like someone cut the plastic from my body, or rinsed the oil that clogged my pores.

i feel blessed to have survived and such great relief to have loosed a burden. that gratitude shall remain with me as long as i can use my brain.

part of that which crippled me was the self-doubt and self-judgement that arose from being one of the unfortunates. there was no thought or promise of good coming from that which scarred. the gift of time has revealed so much artistry in the process of survival.

i find myself now in the throes of old fears and doubts. my situation takes a new turn and i steep in ancient waters mostly with the direct thought that good things won’t last and if they happen to do just that it won’t be in tandem with me.

i found a post from tiny buddha, which spoke to my process right now. this was written by tess marshall….

The following tips will allow you to face fear and put it in its place.

1. Get comfortable with fear.

Invite fear into your life. When you fear something, move toward it.  Feel it, and breathe through it.

Do the things that frighten you. Action builds courage. Tell yourself, “This fear will pass.” Your world expands as your courage expands.

2. Make your dominant thoughts positive.

Fearful thoughts attract more fear. Positive thoughts attract success. Instead of expecting the worst, train your mind to expect the best. Make positive assumptions about your future.

3. Don’t give time, attention, or energy to fear.

Hold yourself accountable. Be consistent, be prepared, be dependable, and focus on solutions.

Be innovative, take the initiative, and go the extra mile. If you don’t take action despite your fear, opportunity will pass you by.

4. Never dwell on scarcity.

Learn to think, speak, and live as an abundant person. Turn off the news. Celebrate what you have. Be generous.

Focus your attention on being ready, willing, and prepared for the beauty, wonder, connections, good fortune, and favorable circumstances that are yours if you are willing to work and be open to it.

5. Revisit your victories.

Strengthen your belief in yourself by reflecting on the last three years of your life and every success you’ve experienced.

Close your eyes and feel the celebratory emotion of each one. Bring the same drive, persistence, and talent into now and allow it to inspire and motivate you.

6. Live vicariously through the victories of others.

Use the success stories of others. Read how the Brooklyn Bridge was built. Study the success of Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, Steven Spielberg, and Oprah Winfrey. Take note of the courage they developed and follow their path to greatness.

7. Ask your family and friends for encouragement.

My family can see my strength when I forget I have it. At my request, they don’t hesitate to remind me of all trials and triumphs we have come through. They’re generous with praise and encouragement.  Ask your loved ones to do the same for you.

8. Create a support group of friends or colleagues.

Robert Fulghum said it best in his book, All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: “When you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.” Sticking together makes tough times easier and easier times more fun!

9. Plan to be great.

Step into your power and dream big. Follow it up with calculated risks and deliberate action steps. Have no doubt about your success. Your dreams are at stake here!

You have the power to do what it takes to break through any obstacles that stand in the way of yourself, your dreams, and your happiness.

<ol> <li><a href='https://afterthepop.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/01-spekk-drumm.m4a'>01 Spekk - Drumm</a></li> </ol>

#doubt #fear #ptsd