Getting Out of My Own Way

“I know I shouldn’t but…..”  In the February edition of O Magazine, Martha Beck takes on the topic of self-sabotage, outlining all of the ways our bad habits are subconscious attempts to deal with a deeper self-sabotage, one we may not realize even exists.  She states, “Picture yourself as two beings in one body. The first is a miraculous, intricate animal, one whose world view focuses on food and frequent cuddling.  Concepts like cholesterol levels, mortgage payments, and PowerPoint presentations mean nothing to it.  It’s all about joy.  The second being is a brilliant logical thinker, almost like a high powered computer that processes abstract concepts with ease.”  She puts forth that self-sabotaging is almost always your animal self rebelling against the not so-much-fun cage of obligations and beliefs built by your computer self.  Basically, my deep sense of responsibility must be balanced with my frolicking child…..is this why I’ve felt like a caged tiger recently?

Releasing Myself from the Cage 

With a growing company and the complexity and depth of the work ever-deepening, I have found myself feeling more like a caged tiger, than my calm, unflappable exterior portrays.  If my animal and rational side need to be in balance, how do I do it?  In the name of balance and to keep my caged tiger at bay, I’ve broken it down into simple components:

• Healthy Food -> Enough said.
• Play -> Lots of time for play and adventures.  Really, joy heals all things.
• Nature -> Enjoy all of its glory as often as possible.  Even snow days have a purpose –  hibernation. Reminder to self: See Winter Wonderment Top 10 List
• Love ->  Always and eternally.  May it be my only means.
• Laughter -> As often as possible with a knack for the belly kind.  And don’t forget Rule #6.
• Freedom from Responsibility -> At least momentarily.

Seems so simple, right?