We’ve all got a story to tell about ourselves.
And whether your story is negative, positive, or a little bit of both is completely up to you.
If you’re thinking: “Well, somewhat… But so much of what has happened to me has been out of my control!”...then let’s break this down a bit more.
Yes, of course you can’t control everything that’s happened to you. We especially tend to think of this lack of control when it comes to the bad or stressful experiences in life.
The abuse.
The betrayal.
The job loss.
The deaths.
The storm.
And on, and on, and on.
Yes, life happens to us. BUT, at the risk of sounding totally cliched, I want to remind you that YOUR REACTION to events in your life is most definitely within your control. Your reactions MATTER...So much!
And how do we get to a place where we can actually control our reactions?
It all starts with our mindset.
The thoughts we have influence the emotions we feel and the behaviors (or reactions) that result.
When we continually think in negative terms, always assuming the worst, or maybe even hoping for the best but still expecting the other shoe to drop (so to speak)....... This can become a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy.
I spent the last three episodes of the Art That Overcomes podcast talking about the concept of manifesting the life we want. I believe that we can, to a large extent, create the life that we desire for ourselves. But this doesn’t just work when we’re thinking about creating our desired reality (the good stuff that’s on our vision board).
The concept of manifestation also applies to some of the negative repercussions that happen after difficult, stressful, or traumatic events in our lives.
Let me be clear that I do NOT think you are responsible for the trauma and abuse you have endured. I do NOT believe that if something bad happens in your life (like a tornado taking out your house, a family member dying, or any other loss or hardship) that you somehow deserve it or you brought it on due to your negative thinking.
HOWEVER, some people choose to frame their suffering as an inevitable and inherent part of WHO THEY ARE.
Some people (and yes I can acknowledge that I’ve been in this place too) can get so used to suffering, hardship, and abuse that they just expect it and therefore actually integrate this kind of experience into their sense of self.
GIVEAWAY!
Here's what to do to get a free copy of my book, The Uncommon Guide to Healing From Narcissistic Abuse: How I Used Art to Break the Pattern and Redefine My Identity.
1. Subscribe to this podcast (if you haven't already).
2. Rate this podcast (5 stars is my favorite!)
3. Write a review for this podcast.
4. Take a screenshot of your review and email the photo to me at jennifer@jenniferakramer.com. Or send it to me in a DM on Instagram @jenniferannekramer or @art_that_overcomes
5. Then I'll respond to get your mailing address and send your book!
Here's the link to all the things:
https://linktr.ee/jenniferakramer