Sitting Beside Yourself

You've heard of an out-of-body experience, right? People who suffer a near-death experience sometimes report having been beside their body, watching what was going on. I have been utilizing this type of experience when life gets me down.

I call it “being in a funk.” It’s when I can't figure out what to do next or feel there's nothing worth doing. These are short-lived random occurrences. If yours are more intense, please take what you can from this, but do what is best for you.

In my funk, I shut down and gravitate to the couch for some Netflix. But, as a small-business owner, time is a valuable commodity I can’t afford to waste.

During a recent funk, I felt myself look at myself with an out-of-body kind of perspective. I began talking to her, comforting her, asking if she needed anything, and showing her patience. Then, as a good friend would do, I nudged her to think of something that would be a small win. Sensing some support, she pulled out her iPad and wrote down the ideas that had been floating about her mind that day. And wouldn't you know it, she grabbed onto one of those ideas and went down a rabbit hole. Progress was made!

Are you someone who has a lot of work to do but can become paralyzed by "I don't know what to do next?" Or "Is this even worth doing?" You are not alone, and there is nothing wrong with you.

I believe the best time to think about what to do when you are in a funk is when you are not in one. Here are a few things to ponder.

Give yourself grace.

If you are like me, you are your worst critic. I will say the most horrible things to myself...things I would never say to anyone else. It’s a flaw I’m working on. In these low times, though, getting down on yourself isn't going to help. Talk to yourself like you would with a friend or loved one. You are amazing and so beautiful!

Recognize it's part of the process.

"Everything always goes to plan," said no one ever! With the good comes the bad. I believe the bad has something to teach us. What if you were to give yourself some grace and then ask the funk what you should learn from it? This is where you patiently sit beside yourself.

Nurture your mind with compassion.

Treat your mindset like you (should) treat your body...as if it's a temple. I like to ask myself what I need. Maybe an hour of Netflix is what I need. Before I grant myself permission to chill, though, I pick a to-do to start with when that hour is up.  It's like making a deal with a child.

Rolling with the ups and downs is something I’m getting better at, thanks to sitting next to myself. I’d love to hear how this concept resonates with you. Need some help with your lows? Schedule a Discovery Call on my Contact page.

This blog was written by Tracy with absolutely no use of AI.