Do you remember a time when everything appeared to overwhelm
you? Things were way too much for you and you just couldn't cope.
What did you do? Were you calm and collecting or wildly flailing
around?
When I was in my teens, I enjoyed swimming and attended a life
savers class. One thing that was impressed upon me is that if
you are rescuing a drowning man then they have to be calm. If
they are flailing around and panicking then attempting a rescue
will not only endanger them, but you too.
It occurred to me recently that it's not just drowning people
who flail around. When you are dealing with major issues in your
life you have a tendency to flail around wildly too.
Trouble is, as you are doing this, you are slapping away the
hands that are trying to help you.
When you are in the midst of a crises, of any sort, take deep
breaths from your stomach and stop. Stop worrying, stop
panicking, stop trying to work out a solution and just be for a
while.
From this vantage point in the eye of the storm, you will be
able see the helping hands around you. You'll be able to see the
people who want to help and are trying to help who you've been
pushing away. You'll be able to see new ideas and opportunities
that can help you out of it.
If someone you know is in this unresourceful state of panic,
then, just as in the movies, you need to give them a slap to
break their state so they can be more resourceful. This is
usually, by the way, a metaphorical slap not a physical one.
This could be through words, actions or showing them something.
Do something outrageous and shocking that brings them to their
senses.
I have one particular friend who recently entered this state.
When he did he pushed everyone away who was trying to help.
I chose to give him a slap. I went to see him and told him the
truth, unencumbered by niceties. I told him things exactly as
they were, exactly how he was behaving.
Oddly enough he stopped in his tracks and looked stunned. Then
suddenly his face changed and he hugged me and said, "Thank you,
I've been such an ass".
(For those that are interested, he then went on to deal with his
problems and accept help from the people around him who cared
for him).
About the author:
Jason E. Johns is a personal success coach specializing in
helping you to achieve your dreams through an innovative and
compassionate approach. Discover how you can life your dream
life at his
self
help website,
www.SanjoPublishing.com
