Surviving vs Thriving

I’ve missed writing, it almost feels like a form of therapy, putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys!). So when I sat down to write I had no idea where it was going to go, and then the words just seemed to appear…

The past two years have been an absolute roller-coaster, the highest highs and the lowest lows, but what I’m realising more and more is that the pandemic has created a sense of numbness. Maybe subconsciously, to make the lows seem less significant, or to reduce any sense of expectation and excitement in case we are yet again disappointed. But when we numb the lows we also numb the highs.

Instead of leaning into my emotions I have been leaning out. I have been encouraging the numbness by keeping busy, not taking time to sit and listen, not celebrating the wins, bracing for the lows. Now I’ve realised this is happening, this is something that needs to change. I want to get up every morning with a fire in my belly, to start the day with hope and end it with contentment.

“If you’re afraid to lean into good news, wonderful movements and joy – if you find yourself waiting for the other shoe to drop – you are not alone. It’s called ‘foreboding joy’ and all of us experience it’ Brene Brown

So what does that mean? It means that I need to pause and celebrate the wins, be my own cheerleader (why as humans are we so bad at this?). It means, that when I’m feeling anxious or sad I should sit with it, instead of the internal struggle to push it away and busy myself with something else that will occupy my mind. I need to lean into the emotions, take time to listen, thrive instead of just survive.

Reading Brene Brown’s new book Atlas of the Heart has really helped with this. I’ve only just scratched the surface and can’t wait to delve deeper, she identifies 87 different emotions that we as humans should be able to articulate, however her research has shown that the average number of emotions named by survey participants was 3; happy, sad and angry.

“To form meaningful connections with others, we must first connect with ourselves” Brene Brown

If anyone else is feeling a little lost and disconnected I’m working on an exciting 5 Day Challenge which Ill share with very soon! If you’re looking for some joy why not check out my events or retreats page.

Hope to see you on the mat soon.

Katie