Taking theLeap 38 www.nAPAVA L L E Y L I F E magaz ine. c o m The Path to Peace by Kate Messner Iknow I need to get my article in by the end of the week, and yet I find myself cleaning behind the refrigerator, going for a walk in the vineyard, or watching TV. The most upsetting part about it is, I am feeling anxious because I’m not getting done what I need to get done. It’s a vicious cycle. Then it struck me. I am sure I am not the first person to be dealing with procrastination! By using the following steps, I have been able to help myself (and my clients) to understand what is really holding me back. For me, my anxiety is triggered by listening to a conversation that is rattling through my brain. So my first step is getting to work on untangling this nasty narrative. When I pay close attention to my thoughts I hear: “Who would want to hear your views on anything? You don’t know what you are talking about. You will not be able to provide any insight on any topic. You have nothing to write about!” Basically, I suck. Wow. My inner bully is out and ready to go! It’s no wonder I am feeling unmotivated. The next step is to identify the judgments that have been formed about myself and my writing capabilities. Judgmental thinking is toxic, but it is the way many people have been conditioned. This type of thinking creates a struggle through life, unconsciously walking the painful path of judgment and emotional suffering. It is a constant practice to be aware of when I am in judgment of myself and others. So here I go! I am judging myself for not having anything meaningful to say. I am judging myself as being unintelligent. I am judging myself for not possessing an original thought. I am judging myself as being unworthy of sharing my thoughts. Here comes the secret to releasing so many painful pieces in life: Compassionate Self-Forgiveness. I am accepting myself, my feelings and the situation as an opportunity to grow. I take complete responsibility for the judgments I have placed on myself. I forgive myself for the mean and horrible things I said and my heart is feeling softened by the process. Lastly, I ask myself: what is the truth? The truth is that I am a capable writer with valuable insight. I write from my heart and I know that my topics will connect with whomever needs to hear it. The truth is that I am a human being sharing my personal experience with the world. As we move into the New Year, set an intention to pay attention to why you are putting things off. Work this process and let go of the unnecessary judgments that you place on yourself and others. It will set you free! Kate Messmer has a MA in Spiritual Psychology and works with individuals who are experiencing stress, anxiety and disconnect from self and others. To receive a complimentary consultation, contact her at peaceofkate@ymail. com or find out more about her services at www.peaceofkate.com Procrastination is a curious thing. For the last few days the thought of writing has made me want to run and hide.
NVLife_JanFeb_2015
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