I think it’s good to air things out — to be direct about feelings and thoughts. To get things out in the open.
That’s a lesson I’ve learned, over and over again.
If we keep things inside, they tend to expand in importance. If we keep things hidden away, they tend to breed shame.
I’ve been re-reading some of my own posts this morning, and, boy, do I see THAT as a recurring theme: Airing Things Out (especially things like stress, anxiety, and worry).
By re-reading this morning, I also see that I’ve really been stressed out this year. Duh. I knew I would be — because of the job I’d taken on, and the other random Acts of Courage I might be called on to perform.
I like the word “Courage.” I think it’s appropriate whenever any of us makes a change, ventures out, or risks rejection, failure, or any set-back.
In other words, whenever we go outside, speak our truth, or interact in any way.
I took these pictures yesterday, at work:
They are airing out the lockers, because of the saw-toothed buggies that had found their way inside. (See here for more about that, in a post about Horror Stories and Non-Horror Stories.)
They got rid of the bugs, without pesticides. They emptied things out, left the doors open, for all to see inside.
(I love metaphors. Can you tell?)
When I walked by the lockers yesterday I took these pictures, assuming I would use them in a post some day.
If not today, when?
I want to say this, right now: Going into work yesterday, where I saw and took these pictures, was an act of courage. It will be another courageous act, to return there tomorrow.
In addition to naming acts of courage, I think it helps to applaud them. I’ve used applause as a sound effect in posts this year (like here). I’ve also done groups (as a facilitator and a participant) where people have applauded when somebody did something courageous, new, or helpful in any way.
I think applauding helps. It might seem hokey, or immodest, or awkward.
If so, that’s probably because it’s unfamiliar.
Yesterday, at work, several people spoke about progress they’ve made in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. At one point, I said, “I wish I had some confetti, because I feel like throwing some.”
Where I used to work, we did throw confetti, every once in a while, to celebrate acts of courage and progress people had made.
That took some time to clean up, I must say.
More fun to clean up than bugs, though. Wouldn’t you agree?
Thanks for reading. I hope you celebrate something today (especially your own courage) (open up and look for it; it’s there).
