The following exercise will help me take the first step:
My mind is very good at protecting me from everything new and uncertain. If I hear something that upsets me or makes me wonder about something because it doesn’t match my previous experiences, my mind wants to get me back on track. Always according to the motto: Never change a running system.
My system is programmed to survival. “It could be dangerous to change anything. I prefer to stick to my habits. I’m sure I’m right.” That makes sense. After all, it has worked so far. I am still alive. But whenever I want to let loose, my mind gets in my way. It’s about time I had a serious word with him.
I write several notes saying:
“I believe I could be wrong.”
I place the notes where I know I’ll see them frequently. I read the sentence aloud to myself again and again and listen to my body while doing so. What comes to mind? What have I been telling myself about my life, my family, my work, my free time, my health, the people around me, nature, politics, the world, …?
I go through each of these stories. What if that’s not the whole truth? What if I’m wrong? What if there’s more to it than that? What if there’s more to me? I want to know what I’m really capable of! I take the first step towards myself. I’ve been waiting for me.
“Strong people can cope with their anxiety. People who can cope with their anxiety don’t break anything.“
Hello. I’m a cashier in a supermarket. It’s noisy, hectic and stressful. I see hundreds of people every day. I enjoy bringing a smile to their faces just by smiling at them. Every now and then, I say something nice, make a friendly remark or pay someone a small compliment. It’s a fail-safe. I feel a bit like a magician.
I can bring a smile to your face. I’m in control of the payment process and don’t let myself get flustered. No one ever gets hectic at my till. I’m fine. I enjoy what I do. I think I radiate this joy. It’s almost like it surrounds my till.
I take good care of myself and protect myself from attacks. If customers are abusive, argumentative or criticise me, I draw a clear line and defend myself. I stay centred. It’s not my frenzy. It’s not my hostility. It’s not my gloom. I don’t let hectic, hostile or gloomy people upset me.
I can rely on myself completely. Even if there is friction within the team or with superiors, I trust that everything will be sorted out. What is mine will come to me anyway. I can let go of what isn’t mine. I don’t participate in gossip. I don’t talk badly about others. And I don’t talk badly about myself either. I am proud of what I can do. I’m doing really well.
This cashier has already come a long way. A very long way. You could almost call her “the enlightened cashier”. Many would not describe her as very successful in terms of her professional career, but, on an emotional level, she is much more successful than many people in better-paid jobs. And that’s precisely what I’m about to learn: I am going to become emotionally successful – that is my path to happiness and contentment. Here we go.