Secure, Stabilize and Stretch
How can we keep our equilibrium when the world seems to be spinning out of control? Our spontaneous smiles are hidden behind masks and the airwaves are filled with breaking news of the startling kind. This constant bombardment falls on us like acid rain.
Take a deep breath. Nature is still supplying exquisite sunsets, the sighing of the wind, the majestic ocean. Beauty. Mystery. Wonder. These are essentials that help to connect us to our inner core, if we allow it.
“Yes, simple things. Sunsets, walks on the beach, reaching out to special friends; they are right here on my list of things to do, right after I master showering and making it outside without forgetting my mask.”
Okay, it seems unrealistic to reach for the harmonious side of the street when your self-protection is clamoring for hard-line boundaries to keep fear and worry at bay. These energy leaks are created from the bombardment of everyday negative mental and emotional pollutants that threaten to topple our natural balance and equilibrium.
Self-reflection provides us an opportunity to assess our current state of mind. We can safeguard our creativity by managing our energy effectively.
The first step to creating personal solidity is a firm commitment to right use of yes and no. Yes is a door opener. Yes transports us out into the world. No is a door closer. No slows down and closes down the show. We must establish a strong affinity for right use of both yes and no to manage our multidimensional lives successfully.
Here is a three-word formula for successful self-management. Secure. Stabilize. Stretch. These three S’s supply a perfect guideline for when to say yes and when to say no.
Safety and security requires opening some doors, while closing others. Stabilizing requires liberal use of no until we have come back home enough to feel secure. Stretching requires an opening up to new experiences.
Progress depends mightily on our ability to secure enough support and sustenance to create safety. Next comes the ability to be patient while we stabilize and then when we are sure-footed we can take the risks to stretch out of our comfort zone.
The tricky part is that our lives are multifaceted. It takes introspection to discern what areas of our lives are screaming for safety and security while other aspects are closing down from lack of stimulation.
For example, your work life may be filled with new challenges everyday. Your career is in the stretch mode. So much time is devoted to work however, your personal life is non-existent and personal maintenance like dentist, doctor, haircut, car and house repairs may all be demanding your attention. When you look closely, you find that you are an automatic yes machine about work and on automatic no regarding the personal.
You are off kilter, out of balance and off course. It will take flexibility and awareness to shift back and forth between right use of yes and no.
When you are in the yes mode you are expending energy. All stretch with no stabilizing ultimately creates burnout and insecurity. When the underpinnings that create your security begin to unravel you will be left at the mercy of outside events.
Secure. Stabilize. Stretch. Apply these three S’s to the important areas of your life. Take ownership of yes and no to solidify your personal reality. From this secure position you will be ready to soar above the chaos of these troubling times.
Susan is a local author and leadership development facilitator. susanvelasquez.com.
