“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”
~Soren Kierkegaard
We all have our “stuff.” The challenging (but also beneficial!) step is coming up against something or someone who creates a space for you to begin to deal with the baggage. Allowing yourself to look at wounds from your childhood, relationships, or friendships may be incredibly scary but also very freeing when the feelings lose their strength and grip on you.
If you keen on moving from a place of fear to strength, try this the next time something bubbles up from beneath the surface.
Something triggers you. Before you push it down or over react, try on RAE!
1. Reflect- “Hmmm. My reaction was pretty strong. Why is that?” Remove yourself from the situation and observe as a neutral third party…almost as if you are watching a movie. Start thinking about what might have triggered that reaction. Chances are something will come up in the form of a feeling or memory.
2. Acknowledge- Sit with that feeling or memory. Allow yourself to be okay with experiencing whatever you are feeling.
3. Expand- Ask yourself, “How do I move beyond this to a better feeling space?” Maybe it’s calling a trusted friend, reaching out to a therapist, or requesting closure from someone.
We all have the power to create the safe havens within us. It’s up to us to take the first step in creating it. Do what it takes to quit bringing “carry ons” in this great ride of life!
All my best,
Meg
