Longing for the Sea and Yet Afraid

Do you have a “Someday Isle” in your life? Are you longing for the sea and yet afraid to set sail?

Do you say “Some day I’ll…” but never quite get round to it?  If so, join the majority of people who stand on the shore, wanting the reward but frightened of the risks.

We beat ourselves up because we hesitate. We look at others who set sail and succeed. So what’s the answer? Interestingly, a recent study showed that being kind to yourself enables change more effectively than self-criticism.

How self-compassion helps us take risks

Recognising our mistakes means we can correct them. Unless we have self-compassion, we feel that we don’t deserve success or can’t achieve it.

The nagging voice inside us says

“Why are you longing for the sea? It’s not for people like you.”

“You’re such an idiot, you could never sail the boat out of harbour”

Fear triggers the evolutionary response to change: RESIST unless you have no choice, things are fine now. We keep on doing what we’ve always been doing because we know that things are okay. “Better the devil you know”

Dr Barbara Fredrickson, a researcher into positive emotions, found that they encourage us to be more creative and innovative. In her TED talk, Kirstin Neff explains how self-compassion will grow your courage and confidence.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” – Carl Rogers

Longing for the sea and yet afraid?

If you long to change and want some help to get started, contact me. All you need is to want to leave where you are.