When all else fails…a story
Make a list?
There’s a story that says…
Once upon a time, a man was walking down a road. At first, the places were known to him but became less and less familiar. Finally, he knew he was in a new place and was lost.
The traveler kept walking until he was at the foot of a stee
p hill. He was too tired to continue. He sat down to rest and was inspired to take a pad and pencil from his pack.
He wrote two lists.
The first was “Things I Know Are Absolutely True”:
- I have been lost before.
- I have always found my way.
- I am a strong walker.
- This road was built to go somewhere.
The second list was “Things I Know Are Possible”:
- I could see better from the top of this hill.
- I could find signposts, people and houses on the other side.
- I could find shelter, food and friends on the other side.
- I could like this new place.
His words gave him strength and he climbed the hill. He did see better from the top. He found signposts, people and houses. In fact, he found most of the things on his lists. Plus a few extras.
If you are feeling lost and discouraged, make two lists. On the first, list the best things in the present situation. The second list is to expand your thinking. Write all the best things you believe are possible.
And then let your words give you courage on your journey to places yet unseen!
2 Comments
You’ve used this method, I know you have. And you’ve helped me use it, too. Thank you! This is one conceptual way to break out of the ‘I’m stuck’ mode. We aren’t really stuck, we’re just a little too stubborn to be able to appreciate our options. Oh, how I do remember those “But I’m going to be stuck here forever!’ times. Ghastly feeling, actually. Thank you for sharing your toolbox with us all.
Fay, how right you are! I have had the “stuck forever” feelings myself and it is a relief to remember that we don’t have to STAY stuck!