There is a lot of reactive energy in the world right now. Do you feel it too?
- People are reacting to COVID changing how we live our lives.
- White people are reacting to the undeniable hurt that black people have felt for centuries and the institutionalize racism that is the primary cause of that pain.
- We’re reacting to a changing climate, to the ever-changing landscape of social media shifting how we connect with each other.
- Parents are reacting to ever-more pressures of trying to do.it.all without losing their shit.
- While kids are reacting to ever-more pressures of keeping up with the latest trends in technology and fashion and TV/film.
I don’t think reactivity is new. Every generation has had to react to changes. But, I do think that the constant inundation of information in our current world, makes it hard to ever feel “settled” in the moment.
I mean, I did stupid shit as a kid but there was never a risk that it was going to go viral.
It’s a lot of pressure to live with.
So, what do we do about it?
What I’m learning, as I’ve been delving into my self-forgiveness practice, is that walking around in my suit of armor, just in case someone says something that may trigger me, is exhausting, frustrating, and demotivating.
And, it’s a choice.
Because, the thing is, that being reactive also comes with a lot of positives.
- It got me through a rocky home life as a kid.
- I graduated from a great high school, went to a prestigious liberal arts college, and got 2 masters degrees.
- I have reinvented myself in a new country and launched several different businesses.
It’s kept me safe. I developed resilience, persistence, even some self-confidence.
And, I get to choose how I want to see my reactivity. How much power I want to give to others.
I get to write my own story.
And so do you.
I had a conversation with Megan Barnhard on Instagram Live about the stories we tell ourselves and how we can use rewriting our stories to empower and heal and inspire.
Megan is a copywriting coach and weaver of amazing stories. She has helped me gain confidence in finding my voice through her creative, intuitive, supportive approach.
The #1 thing Megan has taught me is that, it’s ok to step back. To write a shitty first draft. To get all the thoughts and words and emotions out of your head.
And then, with clearer, calmer, more compassionate eyes, to return to the story and look for your power.
Check out our conversation here (52 minutes):
Humans are biologically designed to react to our surroundings. You gotta feel the hot flame to know it’ll burn you.
So, being reactive isn’t bad. What hurts us is not taking the time to process our instinctual response so that we can react from a place of strength and love instead of from fear.
Unless you are actively standing in the fire, you have time to slow down, step back, and evaluate, write your story before deciding what to do next.
Sending you hope, health, and love,
