Feeling “off” or depressed or low energy, can significantly impact the ability to get anything done or the ability to be the person that you want to be. Sometimes I don’t even notice that I’m in a period of depression, but as I’m becoming more self aware I have began to notice and observe more of the things that are going on in my head. Things that sound like, I’m not good enough to do something, who am I to use my voice to say something, you’re not making enough money you should be worried. Just the constant negative self talk that can take control of your life if you don’t take control of it. I used to just be consumed by these thoughts and it would take days or weeks to get back on my feet. It’s hard to always pinpoint what triggers or starts this type of thinking but when it comes on, it’s hard to get anything done. Especially things like recording a podcast or writing an article like this. Things that I do to go outside my comfort zone become nearly impossible. So, it’s important for me to make sure I get my mind straight in order to accomplish the things that I really want to get done.
The other day I found myself in one of these thought patterns. I had a meeting with a prospective client, and also a podcast episode to record later in that day. I recognized that I was in this headspace and needed to get out, but wasn’t sure how. I tried some things like going for a walk, working out, but they didn’t work. It came time to have the call with that possible client. I wasn’t ready, and was thinking about just canceling it, but I did what I normally do in these situations and just forced myself to call her. It started off a little rough, but as the call went on, I reminded myself to be authentic and honest. The further the call went on, the more human it got and we started sharing things that we were struggling with. Before I knew it, we were there supporting and inspiring each other and I had completely let go of the previous negative mindset I was in before the call.
After the call I was feeling grateful and fortunate to have connected with someone who was supportive and open and created a space for me to be honest and authentic. Someone who was able to meet me where I was at and accept me, because it completely took me out of the negative mindset that I was in, and put me in a growth mindset. I was ready to record that podcast episode.
It made me think about how sometimes, no matter what strategies or techniques you have to battle your anxiety, depression, impostor syndrome, whatever it is you struggle with, sometimes getting help from the people around you is the best thing for you. I was lucky that I had this call with this person who helped me get into a better mindset. I thought about how I set the call up to begin with, and it came from a networking event that we met at and connected.
So, I decided to be proud of myself for setting that up that call and for going to the networking event where I met this person. It reminds me that I do things to surround myself with people that can help push me forward and inspire me.
I am also reading this book The Power of Unconditional Love by Ken Keyes. I believe that all books come into your life when you need them, and as this experience I’m describing above was happening, I read the quote below. [(paid link) As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.]
“You could live out “another day another dollar” programming in which people are objects from which you extract money. Or you could go to your job each day motivated by a wise balance between making money to live on and generously helping your customers.”
This quote for me really showed me that you can show up as a robot and just do what’s asked of you, or you can show up and choose to positively impact the people around you. This is how I felt this person I met on the other end of the phone treated me, and I wanted to pay it forward by sharing this story.