It’s a natural reflex to turn away from things that make us feel uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s an appropriate response, but there are times when it would be more helpful to do something counter-intuitive by turning towards the thing we would avoid.

This is certainly the case with something that keeps recurring. As they say, “If you do what you always did you’ll get what you always got”, a recurring irritant might best be dealt with by breaking a pattern and embracing (figuratively), the annoyance.

It is often at that point that the thing feared loses it’s power over us.

I’m a psychologist, coach, and therapist. All my work is aimed at enabling people to improve personal aspects of their lives and work.

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"Train your mind to look for your successes. They are happening all the time, you just have to look for them."
"We only develop greater resilience when we are deeply emotionally connected to other people."
"If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right".
"Just because you can, it doesn't mean you should, nor that you have to".
"Simplify your life and work to be content. That will create the space for you to notice the joy. It's always there if you look."
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One Comment

Gadfly1 December 9, 2015 at 8:46 amLog in to Reply

Such a rich, necessary reminder, Barry, thank you. ‘Leaning in’ in the way that Pema Chodron prescribes is often the last thing I want to do. When I do, though, I am usually so relieved that I did. Its just a question of making that a reflexive habit! :)