The Power of Reflection and Self-Awareness
It’s funny how, once the panic fades and the dust settles, we finally have space to reflect. That’s when we start asking ourselves those tough questions: What assumptions did I make? What evidence did I think I had, but that ended up being wrong? These moments of reflection help us learn, grow, and understand ourselves a little better.
This played out for me recently. Looking back, it’s almost silly to think about what got me so worked up. But that’s how it goes sometimes, right? You get caught up in something, connect the wrong dots, and suddenly, you’re spiraling. As you read this, think about a time when you made an assumption that threw you off course, only to realize later it wasn’t true.
For me, it was a cataract. I know, sounds minor, but let me explain. Before my initial diagnosis, I suddenly developed a cataract in my right eye. It seemed to come out of nowhere, and then, a month later, I found out about my brain tumor—my “brain buddy.” So, when my left eye recently started acting up, I immediately panicked. I connected the cataract to the brain tumor, even though deep down I knew they weren’t related. My stress skyrocketed, my worries consumed me, and I let it pull me away from what really matters. It stole my joy.
Luckily, I had a new MRI scheduled for this week, so the timing couldn’t have been better. I’m happy to report the MRI came back all clear. The party keeps going! Cataract surgery is set, and life is moving forward. I’m back on mission, focused on sparking H.O.P.E. for years to come.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves
Isn’t it wild how our minds can take us to the worst-case scenario so quickly? We let random connections morph into proof of our downfall. And then, when reality hits, that whole story we built in our heads crumbles in an instant.
We’re so quick to let everything fall apart as soon as something contradicts the story we’ve been telling ourselves. But here’s the truth: we’re often wrong—more often than we like to admit. So why not make a small effort to question those stories we create in our heads? Why not stop ourselves before we spiral into false assumptions?
Leaning Into Our Strength
What if, instead of speculating, we leaned into the strength we’ve built through our experiences? What if we celebrated how far we’ve come, recognizing that every lesson has made us stronger? You have everything you need to become the powerful person you’ve always dreamed of being. It’s all right there, waiting for you.
Power-Up Challenge:
This week, pay attention to the stories you tell yourself. Are they based on assumptions or fears? Pick one story that doesn’t serve you anymore, and challenge it. Ask yourself: Is this really true? What evidence do I have? Shift your thinking, and see how it changes your perspective.
Closing Thoughts:
Thank you for taking the time to reflect with me. Remember, you are stronger than you think, and sometimes, the stories we tell ourselves are just that—stories. Keep pushing forward, question your assumptions, and trust in the strength you’ve built. We’re all in this together, learning, growing, and becoming the best versions of ourselves. 💙 PowerUp
