Navigating Life's Challenges with Control and Empowerment
My reflection for you, post-cyclone Jasper, with all the rain and the emergency situation it's created ⛈️
As I sit down to write this on the 17th of December 2023, my town has been drenched in rain for seven consecutive days. The air is heavy with uncertainties, and some of my friends are being evacuated. It's a pretty intense reminder that the Earth has its own mind, and life has hit pause again, beyond COVID, for a whole new set of reasons beyond our control.
The Negativity Bias needs to be tamed!
In times like these, it's all too easy for most of us (including myself!) to slip into the negative, worrying side of things, letting the brain's built-in negativity bias take the lead. But my journey in life coaching has taught me a valuable lesson: we have more control than we often realise, even when sh*t hits the fan (and it always will, eventually…).
The brain, in its somewhat lazy state, tends to focus on the immediate negatives right in front of us. Empowerment begins when we consciously shift our focus towards what we want and how we want things to unfold. It's about acknowledging the challenges and uncertainties while simultaneously recognising the power we possess to influence our circumstances.
It's about acknowledging the challenges and uncertainties while simultaneously recognising the power we possess to influence our circumstances.
Life, much like the weather, can be unpredictable. Yet, rather than becoming a victim, I've learned to pause and reflect. Not automatically, I must admit. I need to stop myself from being snappy with my daughter and husband, take myself away, take deep breaths and remember my power.
Using Coaching as a Compass for Mental Strength
Coaching has been my compass for years now, guiding me to assess my worries and see if there's any proactive step I can take to prevent the worst from happening. If there is, I do it now. If there isn’t, I remember that I am doing my best and I can totally deal with the crap if it eventually happens.
Bottom line: amidst the rain, the power outages, and evacuations, I choose to focus on what's going well and what I can improve. It's a deliberate shift, and it’s empowering.
So now I encourage you to take a moment and reflect on the aspects of your life that are going well, regardless of the challenges around. It sucks at first, and it might even feel like toxic positivity – but it isn’t. It’s research-based* and it works.
Sure, the rain may persist, and uncertainties will always exist, but the power lies in our response. Ask yourself: What can I control in this situation? Is there anything I can do to ease my worries or prevent the worst-case scenario?
You've got this!
Maybe it’s deep breathing, maybe it’s a therapist, maybe it’s journaling, cooking, dancing, or anything that feels good right now.
Empowerment comes from this conscious shift in perspective, from dwelling on the uncontrollable to taking charge of what we can influence.
You have true strength within yourself. Use it.
Remember that an accredited Life Coach is professionally trained to help you go through changes in the easiest, most effective way.
I'm here to help! And I'll leave you with this empowering quote I created for you:
"Master your sail, not the storm."
* References:
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About the Author
Hi! I'm Sophie and I am so glad you're here! I help women and men make small, incremental changes that create a positive ripple effect on their entire life.
You have the power to turn your life around, starting today.
I am here to help you succeed.
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I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which I coach, collaborate and grow, the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji and Yirrganydji Peoples. I acknowledge and pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the world’s oldest living culture and embrace their continued connection to land, waters and community. I pay my deepest respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present.
I also recognise, value and celebrate diversity and act in the spirit of inclusion.