The Skank in my Head
Over the last many years, I’ve declared war on The Skank who barges into my brain. I'm happy to report that the scorecard is tipping in my favor.
After mercifully sleeping through my meditation the other morning though, she woke up on the wrong side of the bed as I stepped out of my cold shower (yet another daily attempt to get out of my comfort zone).
I can’t remember what she blabbed on about while I rolled eyeliner over the ledge of my lids, but I remember thinking her points threatened to land me in a prolonged and precarious state of mind.
This was something I couldn’t afford, because the day before, I wound up in a nap with a large list of uncrossed off items in my planner. Now that I think of it, maybe that’s what she was upset about.
Except to her, this less than productive afternoon (which I may remind you and her was a holiday to begin with), carried all sorts of meaning about me, my value as a human on earth, not to mention the entire trajectory of my life accomplishments and business development.
She’s a bigger drama queen than a middle school girl. Come to think of it, that’s about as long as she’s been around. Now, dotting my cheeks with blush, I couldn’t afford to let her win. Too many potentials on the horizon, too many possibilities in the field, as we say in the business of creation.
With Herculean effort, I peeled her laser focus on the natural disaster she thinks is me, and wheeled it onto everything and anything, even the tiniest things that were going well.
Turns out, this simple exercise yields quite a few tasty tidbits if you practice it regularly.
It’s worth it to train your brain to focus on what you deem worthy.
This is the whole reason I don’t watch the news and I don’t much look at Facebook. I don’t need The Skank yammering on about how we’re all going to hell in a handbasket and oh by the way, did you see the post of the high school friend who’s now in Hollywood?
If I give The Skank an inch, she'll take I-80 clear across the most desolate parts of the country.
When I win though, we take the most scenic route! My mind glides over every task I nailed that day like roll-on deodorant over a freshly shaved, hairless pit. Every person who transformed themselves right in front of my eyes springs to mind. I'm reminded of the many courageous corporate teams I’ve witnessed move from shut down, overworked, and burnt out to collaborative, communicative, and prospering.
As you can imagine, this inspires me, and when I’m inspired I don’t reach for the Netflix remote.
No, I engage in activities that make me feel even more awesome. I’m more present with my family at dinner and I sleep better at night.
Sometimes, The Skank and I face off again the very next morning, but that's okay.
I'm done forfeiting.
How about you?