Embracing Ease: Navigating Life's Challenges with Awareness
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Chapter 1: The Rollercoaster of Life
The last seven months have felt like a true emotional rollercoaster. If you could measure my stress levels, they would resemble the ups and downs of a theme park ride. Over the past two years, I've tracked my weight, and the fluctuations in the last four months have mirrored this chaotic journey. I find myself questioning my role in these situations—was it truly just bad luck, or was I somehow contributing to this cycle?
The Unconscious Influence
As a therapist, I’ve developed the ability to step back and identify patterns in my clients’ lives. This detachment allows me to see things more clearly without getting entangled in the complexities of their situations. I am beginning to understand that this skill is transferable to my own life.
Patterns are often learned behaviors that our unconscious mind perpetuates. As we grow older, we can become more aware of these automatic responses, enabling us to take greater control over our actions. However, before we reach that level of consciousness, we operate on autopilot, following what we’ve learned or observed.
Have I been so accustomed to a life filled with effort and struggle that, now that things are improving, I subconsciously recreate that sense of hardship?
Section 1.1: Understanding the Poverty Promise
Have you ever encountered the concept of the "poverty promise"? I’m unsure where I first heard this term, but it resonated deeply with me. Tony Robbins shares an illustrative story that sheds light on this idea:
Imagine being a child out with your family when a neighbor drives by in a luxury sports car. What were your family’s reactions? If they were negative or judgmental, you likely internalized a belief that wealth is associated with negativity. This could lead you to establish a subconscious limit: as long as you don’t surpass that threshold, you can avoid similar criticisms.
Another example I came across in a self-development book—though I can’t recall the title—describes a successful salesman who thrived in a notoriously challenging environment but faltered when placed in an easier situation. Although opportunities were abundant, he unconsciously ceased to strive beyond his set goal.
We all have a personal threshold for what feels acceptable, whether regarding income, portion sizes, spending limits, or even how much love and rest we feel we deserve. These values are ingrained throughout our lives, often without our conscious awareness. Reflecting on areas where you feel stuck may reveal limiting beliefs you didn’t realize were influencing you.
Subsection 1.1.1: My Personal Limits
“Nothing worth having comes easy.” “Life is hard.” “You must work hard.” These phrases echo in my mind, reinforced by years of experience. Over the last seven years, I have transformed my life in extraordinary ways, facing challenges, joy, stress, and relief. This journey has cemented the belief that valuable outcomes require hard work. When something pleasant unexpectedly occurs—a kind gesture or an invitation—it feels like a fluke.
As I embark on the path of self-employment, I am actively challenging the notion that all rewards must come through struggle. I trust that my past efforts and ongoing dedication will lead to gratifying outcomes. I am working to dismantle my unconscious limits regarding acceptable monthly earnings, exploring avenues for passive income.
Passive income often feels at odds with the idea of hard work. The belief that rewards must be earned through sweat and struggle is something I need to reevaluate. I am learning to embrace the concept that life doesn’t have to be a constant struggle.
Chapter 2: Redefining Hard Work vs. Effort
I believe it’s crucial to differentiate between hard work and genuine effort. Humans are naturally inclined to grow, learn, and achieve. Our brains and bodies thrive on challenge and activity. However, putting forth effort doesn’t have to equate to suffering; it’s about pushing oneself rather than struggling.
I intend to strive for new levels of achievement and fulfillment, welcoming positive experiences and relationships that come my way with ease. I am releasing the belief that something holds no value unless it was hard-earned.
As I reflect on my journey, I recognize that I am a work in progress, living a life I once thought impossible. The moments I once considered risky have now become integral to my identity. It has taken effort to cultivate the courage to embrace these truths, and I find myself more authentically me than ever before. I eagerly anticipate what else will flow into my life as I continue to reshape my expectations.