NOT your truest self

Maybe you’ve seen people posting sentiments like, “Adversity introduces a person to themselves.” There is a nugget of insight here, BUT, this sentiment could steer you wrong...because you are not your truest self when you are stressed out.

The you that is lethargic, unable to get up off the couch, crushing another bag of potato chips while trawling Netflix,

The you that is anal and argumentative, quick to snipe at a partner for leaving a mug in the sink AGAIN,

The you that is anxious and preoccupied, too busy to read a book to your toddler because a deadline is looming,

This is not your truest self. This is you living out your stress response, trying to cope with a global pandemic and get release through food, fighting, or work.

Shame is a crappy motivator. Take a deep breath. And then another.

The first step to change is to just acknowledge your reality: “This is me, trying to make the best of things.”

Only then can you ask, with curiosity and compassion, “What would it look like to live into something different today?”