Hey Reader,
For many of us, our worlds got rocked last night.
I know a thing or two about that. From getting divorced to being sued, to mothering my infant son through two open-heart surgeries, my worlds have shattered time and again.
I’ve learned so much I could have a friggin’ PhD in crappy surprises.
My biggest takeaway is this: when your world implodes, explodes, or otherwise unravels, it’s an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with yourself.
Chaos around you does not need to lead to chaos inside you.
Here are a few ways to ensure that:
- Let yourself grieve. Grieve for what you hoped for and no longer is. Feel the feelings. Face the fears. It hurts like hell but if you bury it, it’ll fester and compound in power and pain.
- Expand the container. Breathe deep into your body, visualizing your thoughts and feelings as shrinking objects that you embrace in a warm hug. They are a part of you, ensconced in a larger, compassionate you that has the capacity to carry this load, no matter how heavy it might feel right now.
- Shut off the soundtrack. Notice if the soundtrack of “could’ve” “should’ve” “why is this happening” “I’m so angry” “WTF” is on repeat in your mind. That’s normal. It’s also a waste of energy, blocking you from accepting what IS, which is the first step towards taking action and feeling better. Challenge yourself to simultaneously feel your feelings and quiet the soundtrack; in my experience, this is exactly when the ah-a moments happen.
- This too shall pass. No matter how overwhelmed you currently feel, remind yourself that a lot of it stems from the initial shock. It’s not that the pain will go away – it will morph into something else – but the surprise factor will fade. Take solace in that.
I wasn’t planning on sending an email today – figured we all needed a break from our inboxes – but given how much personal experience I have with crappy surprises, I hoped I could provide a bit of comfort.
Write me back if I did and share this with someone who needs it ❤️🩹
Also, if you want more structured guidance in quieting the inner soundtrack (it’s not easy!) I encourage you to check out my program, Take Out Your Mind Trash which starts f November 17th.
I take concepts of neuroplasticity to help you create a personalized framework and accountability plan, that transforms limiting thought patterns and behaviors into opportunities for growth.
In the meantime, remember this: you are not alone.
We got this – together 💪
x Claire
