Dare to feel as a unique treasure
It's true: you are a unique treasure. Everyone is. Several years ago, I've made myself a t-shirt saying on the front side "I am..." and on the back "...a unique treasure". When encountering someone, they were curious asking "What are you? Please turn around." I did. In most cases, the first reaction were raised eyebrows and the comment "This sounds quite arrogant." And I replied with a smile "It's a fact and you are one, too." Every human being is unique - with our exclusive genetic information, personality, talent, but also our way of perception and how we are shaped by education and experience. Of course, it might be possible to clone the genetic information but I guess our essence, the core of our self, can't be copied. And that's why…
Is that really what you want?
We all know other people who live a great life, have everything someone could wish for, and seem to be happy and content. At least from an outside perspective... It might be interesting to realize what the things are you're longing for and to step in this other person's shoes to find out if really everything is perfect for them. Is that really what you want? So ask yourself now: Whom I envy her or his life and why? Which worries, problems and fears this person might have? And would I irrevocably trade my life for this person's one?
Stick to it
Do you know this: You have an idea, you have planned everything. You are enthusiastic and full of energy. You set the first steps and... you stop, you procrastinate, you doubt, you criticize yourself, you look away... To help you in such situations to stick to your intention and to continue to realize it, I have collected some helpful measures written on little cards. Download the file (available in English, German, Dutch), cut out the cards and use them in the above mentioned situations where the flow has stopped and you need an impulse to continue. Stick to it!
How resilient are you?
Each of us have experienced crises in life – the small ones, when the housework outgrows you or the favorite cup is dropped, and the big ones, if your relationship hangs in the balance or job loss is imminent. And each of us deals differently with these crises. Some come pretty quickly over it, others nibble longer on it, and still others remain trapped in a state of shock. What helps us to overcome crises, is described by the concept of resilience. It is about adaptability and resistance – ultimately a kind of inner strength that helps us to cope with crises. This is also the topic of the March edition of the bird’s post, and the two following editions will look in more detail on the seven protective factors…
Take care of yourself
As human beings we are part of a community. We live and work together with others. Many of us prefer a harmonious coaction and therefore try to identify and fulfill the expectations and needs of others. If you orientate your actions too strongly towards others, you risk to disregard your own needs. It might be interesting to ask yourself: Are the wishes and needs of others more important than my own ones? What is your answer to this question? Please share your views and insights in the comments.
Believe in yourself
We all have our own beliefs, i.e. mostly unconscious assumptions about ourselves and the world around us. Sometimes, these beliefs limit us in our personal development so that we stick to certain behaviors and are not able to make new experiences. Make an experiment and ask yourself: What would be different, if I would firmly believe that I am right with all my weaknesses and mistakes? What is your answer to this question? Please share your views and insights in the comments.