Hard talks
Hard talks are not pleasant but they are helpful. They can feel painful because they touch upon realities you are avoiding. However, a hard talk doesn’t have to be harsh. It doesn’t pierce your soul or leave emotional scars.
Instead it can be liberating. You begin to appreciate new perspective. You may not walk away with all answers but you are left with right questions.
If you know someone who can have hard talks with you, seek them out often and open up to them.
“The willingness to hear hard truth is vital not only for CEOs of big corporations but also for anyone who loves the truth.” — Bill Gates
Change is lonely
You are changing, perhaps at a different pace from those around you. Where does that leave you?
- Disconnected: When you are seen as different from the rest
- Guilt: Feeling selfish for simply being who you are
- Misunderstood: When no one understands what you are going through
Maybe it reflects that you have outgrown certain relationships and environments. It may be time to seek a tribe that really vibes with you.
“Growth can be painful, change can be painful—but nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.” — Charles H. Spurgeon
Shoulds, Musts, and Ought tos
What are your ‘Shoulds, Musts and Ought tos’ in life? Every should, must and ought to is an imperative we place on ourselves, others, or the world around us.
Your shoulds demand you to behave in a certain way regardless of reality.
Your ought tos seek compliance from others, often ignoring their needs.
Your musts set unrealistic expectations for how the world should respond to you.
These internal rules – your shoulds, musts and ought tos – could be binding you, keep you away from experiencing the freedom of choice that you truly have. Your first step towards self-awareness is recognizing the shoulds, musts, and ought tos in your life.
“Stop shoulding on yourself.” — Albert Ellis