Have you ever felt like you were moving through life on an esclator? Like you’re certainly moving but you’re not really doing anything, you’re just standing there going through life without a thought or moment of presence?
This might surprise you, but I have too! I mean if you haven’t noticed, today’s issue is two days late. So here’s what I did bring myself back to life and reframe the things that are bothering me in my brain.
1: If you’re a creative (which I would argue, everyone is) read this book or listen to this podcast. Both are my go-to’s when I feel stagnant.
2: Step off the escalater of repeating worries, aka the loop of destruction.
I think of the problems/worries/stressors in my brain as little worlds. Little universes where I am trapped, held back, and obsessive. Sometimes with time these little worlds disappear overnight, but most times I have to reframe them to escape them. They don’t know I am doing this to them, but it’s like reverse psychology. It’s not much different than dating these days, right ladies?
Here’s how I do it. Oh, and I invented this exact method this morning so it might need tweaking but give it a go. Oh, and I certainly didn’t invent this whole idea but here’s how I process my brain when it feel snumb and stagnant with worry.
Identify the thing that is making you feel uneasy, stressed, sad, hopeless, etc.
Identify where it came from and what triggers it. Does it happen when you open Tik Tok? When you hang out with a certain person?
Identify how you might be wrong about this situation. Are you making assumptions? Are you taking on other people’s issues? Are you spiraling? Is it even true? (Bryon Katie style)
Determine if there is anything you can do about it. Or even if, there’s anything you can do about it.
My list today was full of concerns that I can’t really do anything or really know anything about. So what did I do?
Accept + Reframe! Accept that this worry is pre mature, not real and none of my concern (if applicable) Accept that I don’t know all the details and all the facts. Reframe how this might actually be a good thing. And make a list of the things that I can do to feel empowered instead.
I am even able to let some things go after the acceptance stage and move on with my life with a little more peace. So here’s the thing, we’re gonna get stuck on the esclator from time to time. But you can always get off and take the stairs the rest of the way.
XX chloe
Here’s your song recc from Nick: