do you ever feel intense pressure from other people?
do you feel bombarded by insinuations?
(spoken out loud or simply felt.)
do you feel overwhelmed, overloaded?
with a deluge of . . .
- you should!
- why don’t you?
- you’re wrong!
- why can’t you?
- i wouldn’t!
- how could you?
- what are you trying to prove?
WHOA!
it’s time to remove all the emotional clatter-and-clutter.
to stop the poisonous thoughts that are racing through your head.
to stop the too-rapid beating of your heart.
to stop the should-haves and the could-haves.
first you need to breathe.
take a very deep breath in, then release it . . . s-l-o-w-l-y.
inhale again deeply through your nose.
exhale blowing out through your mouth.
better?
even slightly?
you can handle this.
but before you go any further, ask yourself one very important question.
are you living your own life?
or are you living according to someone else’s expectations?
it is imperative that you put YOUR interests first.
your health depends on it.
both physical and mental.
but HOW, you ask?
by standing up and speaking up.
be brief and stay on point.
you don’t need to explain your actions, but state your case.
your voice deserves to be heard.
by not becoming swept up in others’ moods, dramas, insecurities.
their stories, not yours.
you are not responsible for their choices.
by living your life with no apologies.
(this one bears repeating.)
WITH NO APOLOGIES.
reread this when you’re feeling weak.
but remember: YOU are not weak.
you are a strong person going through a blip in your journey.
how do you shut off the incessant outside noise?
how do you concentrate on living a focused and genuine life?
share your personal tactics with me below.
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explore your essence with my guide to a bold.free.new life.
I quiet my mind by focusing on my breath…or another way I recently learned is to watch (in my mind) a feather falling gently through infinite space. Calms me down pretty fast and then I have the space to hear the true voice that says…all is well. I am loved and anything or anyone who says differently is simply incorrect!
Silvia, I love the idea of imagining a feather falling gently through space…I’m definitely going to do that next time.
I use EFT tapping, just a quick tapping on the points to focus on what I believe, not what someone else says I should or must do. It immediately shifts my mind. Good reminders in your post!
Ahhh…I read posts like yours! I will be printing and posting this one! Sheer perfection April!! Thank you! <3
I take the time to really tune in to what is going on in my own mind, as I take the time to consciously tune others out. It isn’t always easy, but your are so right, in that returning to the breath is really all it takes to center your spirit and calm your mind 😉 Definitely no apologies required for taking time to breathe, right? Lovely once again! Thanks April!!
I remember the scenario on an airplane when taking off – put the oxygen mask on yourself first before helping anyone else!
I agree that the outside noise of life can sometimes be overwhelming to some. I choose to center myself by getting into a quiet and meditative state, only reflecting on the things that truly matter. This makes things much easier.
I had to come to know who I am and love who I am before I could shut off the noise from outside telling me that I was wrong or that I had to be a certain way in order to be accepted. That was a process of healing and learning over a number of years. Now that I know and love me, that stuff from outside stays outside. The odd time that I start listening to it, I need to get quiet within myself and get grounded in who I am, my worth and why I’m here on the planet – – my purpose and gifts and message.
Poetic and powerful – another great post April 🙂 When I’m feeling inundated, i remember my “why” and that helps me re-align with my core values and priorities.
WOW, so timely April!!
I have been feeling some intense judgements from one the people I am working with on an upcoming event. The interesting thing is that I rarely ever feel that from anyone I work with.
It feels a bit passive aggressive and my insides constrict whenever I have to follow up with them. I know I’m being triggered and I am pulling out all the tricks to stay centered, focused on the mission at hand and move though it. Breathing slowly…perfect reminder!
Hi April, a subject close to my heart. Incessant chitter chatter like that leads to illness. Your nervous system will thank you – just by clearing this clutter. Yay for getting the message out April xx
April, another wonderful, poetic reminder to stay true to myself, thank you for that. I meditate every morning, say my prayers. I find whenever I hold off until after I start working, I’m not as peaceful and at ease. It’s important to do it first thing, at least for me.
Hi a very timely post. A great reminder for me to stop everything and have some quiet time or myself. I try to do that once in a while, guess need to do it today. Thanks so much. Great read.