The reading this
week was all about how to live life with the possibility that anything is
possible. The chapters tell us how to lighten up and let go of our inhibitions
that ultimately will help us live life to the fullest.
One of the statements
that probably stood out the most was “When our attention is primarily directed
to how wrong things are, we lose the power to act effectively.” This quote
holds true in the fact that when things seem to start off bad early in the day
it tends to tumble in a downward spiral if we let it, and it is easy to let it.
I can say that I have had days like this when “remember rule number 6” would
have come in handy early on before the start to a horrible day. Remembering
this rule could help turn any sticky situation by learning to lighten up.
Another thing I
noticed while reading these chapters is how incredibly detailed Roz is while sharing a story as an example of what the chapter is about. She
sets the mood and picture just perfectly with the setting, weather, time of day,
and smells in the scenario.
Amanda, I must have missed the passage that you quote about being dragged down by our own negative thinking - would have written it on a post-it next to my desk at work. I have been SO struggling with a self-confidence/creative block/negativity thing lately and really appreciate your insight about this.
ReplyDeleteOnce upon a time, I did leadership workshops with students or adults, and one of the principles that I copied from another presenter is the "toe principle." She talked about how we always need to be aware of our emotions and the 'straw' that may break our backs, right? And explained it like this:
In the morning, you get out of bed and stub your toe on the dresser. Ouch. Hurts, but you're fine. As you get into your car, you hit the same toe. UGH! Hurts, but you're fine. When you get to work, you accidentally kick the chair by your desk. ARGH! Painful, but it's fine. Then, at lunch, your friend steps on your toe, AND THAT'S IT! You snap. Go off about how she needs to watch out. Was it her fault? No. But it's the pile-on toe principle: sometimes, we've just had too much.
So I love this quote that you share as an answer to the toe principle. We have to let go of all this negativity that we're storing in our proverbial toe and just let it go. Well done.
Jen, I really like the "toe principle" you shared. This is exactly what I am talking about when it comes to getting bogged down with seemingly small stuff, and eventually snap without even realizing what we are actually doing. I think what really hits home with your example is that everyone of us have felt this scenario and then later regret (hopefully) the outburst.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, I think the quote you stated in your post is great “when out attention is primarily directed to how wrong things are, we lose the power to act effectively”. I believe this quote could apply to our discussion question about teachers being resistant to change when it comes to technology. If teachers put as much attention into learning new technology as they do about complaining about it, then maybe the resistant barrier would be broken. Also rule number 6 could be added to the same situation. Teachers need to lighten up about making changes that would improve their teaching and start putting the needs of their students first.. You are right about your statement of lighten up and letting our inhibitions go then we could live our lives to the fullest.
ReplyDeleteDel, great insight! Yes this quote and Rule Number 6 definitely fits with the topic we are discussing this week. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your insights into the reading. I hadn't noticed how detailed Roz's sections are, thanks for point that out.
ReplyDelete