"I forgive you." Can there be anything more liberating than letting go of that which is tormenting us? Bidding farewell to that which has had some sort of stranglehold on our psyche and is occasionally popping into our consciousness to trigger doubt or fear or anger?
I love working with clients on strategies to move forward. You know what works because most of the time, we dwell in the present quite successfully. It is when we slip back or project too far forward that things can go sideways.
If you drive, think about how that works: We must be present or endanger ourselves and everyone else on the road. Or doing most any athletic activity... being present is critical to be successful at competing or participating. The ball is coming at you NOW....So you know how to do this. Your agile brain can shift effortlessly to that which it must address right this moment... and by implementing some of those innate abilities that we all have, we can free ourselves from the 2 o'clock in the morning running script of whatever it is that is plaguing us!
One of my favorite strategies is acknowledgment and forgiveness. Literally, saying aloud, "I acknowledge and forgive you. I wish you peace. Goodbye." This can be to a person, a situation, a mood. Admittedly this has probably looked a bit ridiculous as am often invoking this very technique whilst out running... and I like to add the flourish of holding my hands outward and opening and closing my palms as I wish the offending racing thoughts adieu! It does look funny, but it WORKS! And looking funny is something that I made peace with long ago. Had no choice... I am a dork!!
And this is not magic. It's work. It may not take the first time. It might. You may invoke friends to support you. You may work with a coach or another professional support person. But it is in you to live presently, with joy, purpose and love. And you will get there.
Happy Friday, everyone. xo