I have an exercise that I do every now and then to flex the creative side of my brain. I use a deck of cards that I was a backer to for Holstee. They’re called “reflection” cards. You can get them with many different companies these days. It helps sometimes when you’re in that rut, to just get uncomfortable with a random pick. Sometimes you need a challenge and jolt to get back in the groove.
The Holstee reflection (I am not being paid for this endorsement) card picked randomly today (pictured above) is in the theme of resilience. The cards are unique that they all represent several different themes:
- Intention
- Kinship
- Creativity
- Passion
- Wellness
- Resilience
- Compassion
- Integrity
- Simplicity
- Gratitude
- Adventure
- Reflection
- And Wild Card (a favorite when I pick at times)
Each card under the theme has two questions related to it. Today’s questions I’m going to answer live here for the practice and making IBtP better for you. Today’s questions were:
What irrational fears did you have as a child?
What irrational fears do you have now?
Holstee Reflection Card Theme Resilence
As a child there was an irrational fear that I would not have a place or a person to take care of me. That I would be alone as a child. Parentless. Homeless. That irrational fear shaped my drive to make friends, create family from my social connections, and learn not to be shy in asking for what I needed. Probably not an uncommon fear these days that kids have as socially diverse as they are today.
For me though, it’s what’s made me as an adult want to help others find their strength. I wanted no one to have that irrational fear that I had. We are never alone. So, I spent my life trying to figure out how not to feel that way. Ever.
I grew up pretty much alone, fought for things I needed at an early age, and learned how to connect with out fear of rejection. As an adult its what’s made me very expressive in sharing how I feel with anyone. Why I can come to a site like this on IBtP and just shed my failures or learns to help others become better versions of themselves. I learned the importance of resilience as well as what makes it easier to create in yourself.
Today, my irrational fears I have aren’t that much different. I have a fear of not being able to help someone that is in great need. I fear failing the people I love and call my deepest, closest friends. Of not being a resource. I fear, not being relevant enough on IBtP or on The Well in which I’m not reaching anyone or helping anyone. Creating in others the best version of themselves is what I do, my gift to share. What if that gift fell away? What if I became a hinderance versus a catalyst for others? What if that gift, was no longer there as a gift? Can we lose our gifts?
I guess when I think about that, my resilience strategy for myself is studying or learning constantly so I don’t lose relevance in being able to help others. To focus on pushing myself to learn in my fields of choice something I’ve not mastered. To practice the arts in my craft as much as I share out. To be open to learn from those around me. Give more than I take. Be approachable.
I don’t fear losing my passionate focus, because I believe passions can change. You’re not potentially always going to be in the passion you think for the time you think. This blogging, writing, and podcasting idea was a passion I recently fell into 4 years ago when someone invited me to be a guest writer on their blog. My passion might be different 10-20 years from now. I think passions change because we learn or find a different thing we’re totally bought into from our constant focus to be better.
Resilience is interesting. I think you build resilience in your craft by constantly trying, practicing, and failing in it. Doing so, your craft will more than likely serve you most of your life. It can save you. Not only that, you feel happy because you’ll be doing something that brings you joy.
Hope you enjoyed my self exercise today with reflection out loud. Could be more of this in the future. Let me know what you’re thoughts are below in the comments. As always, I appreciate your attention and views. I take that time very seriously when I think about content to put out.
Have a great week! This is my 401st post!!!! WOW 😯 Thank you!
✌🏻 Shawn
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