Dare to get wet...

by Sonya Shellard
A month off work has taught me a few things. Many things in fact, but here are the key reminders I now keep with me...

We can plan away to our heart’s content but the future is always unknown. 
 
Whilst we know that the future is uncertain we often forget this and then look back and wonder why we spent such a lot of time worrying about things that never happened. What will happen, will happen and building the skills to deal with the unexpected are a key requirement of modern day living and professional working – in fact this is a core coaching skill. A bit like completing a 5,000 word jigsaw and discovering there that are 2 missing pieces – how would you feel, react and move on from that discovery?!
 
We must never let the fear of what might go wrong, get in the way of trying to make things go right. 
 
Fear – our trusty companion and almighty disabler! It can feel very present and consume us when awake and disturb our thinking whilst sleeping (or trying to sleep). It can convince us that taking no action is by far the best decision. Play safe! Don’t raise your head above the parapet! Don’t do it, you’ll look like a fool when you fail! All messages we may have heard and tell ourselves now, allowing these beliefs to direct our current behaviour. But never turn your back on fear; instead turn to face it and work out what needs to be addressed to remove or reduce its impact on you. Frighten it! It’s been frightening you all this time and the world now needs you to be brave.
 
Giving is far more powerful than receiving.
 
True satisfaction comes from knowing that you didn’t have to, but you did anyway. It is the one gift we can keep on giving, regardless of our circumstances and which adds so much to others, ourselves and the world at large. When you feel that the world is spinning out of control, ask yourself, “What could I offer to others that would make a difference right now?”
 
So if like me you’ve used summer breaks to plan your return to “real life” then capture the essence of what you learnt whilst away. Be brave, trust your instincts & batter down the doors you closed on yourself a long time ago!! There is no end, just beginnings with each new sunrise.
 
Dare to get wet today?! 
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