Every two weeks, I have therapy to talk about any issues and situations bothering me and how to address them. The sessions include reflecting on the good that’s happening in my life. Truthfully, many sessions lately have involved stories about work and my “dating” life. At the end of every call, I hear my therapist admire how far along I’ve come and to lean in on the situations that bring discomfort.
Lean In: Understanding You Are More Than What You Experience
When I hear her say lean in, I really want to do the opposite. I don’t want to further push myself into situations and conversations that make me uncomfortable or have an ounce of confrontation – those are two things I avoid the most. The more I hear it, the more I think about what it can do for me mentally. Leaning in isn’t about putting yourself through trauma for the fun of it. It’s about pushing through your discomfort to grow, evolve, and come out stronger, so the situation is not a recurring thing.
Leaning in is also:
- Speaking up for yourself when you least expect it.
- Sitting with your thoughts to better understand yourself
- Becoming intentional with your time, words, and actions
- Grounding yourself to see situations for what they are without the ego and victim blinders
- Learning how not to shrink around others
- Taking up space
- Realizing you are enough
How You Can Use This Advice?
It’s essential we take time for ourselves and thoughts to really understand what’s going on with us. Even if you aren’t in therapy, you can use this advice to break those barriers you’ve been up against. Write the bullet points above in your journal, notebook, or sticky note, and read them every day. Be mindful of your words and action – take time alone and really process what you’re going through.
With this, I hope you begin to see a difference, which will stop allowing you to shrink yourself at your job, in friendships and family, romantic relationships, and any other area. Next time you are in a situation that you want to run from, lean into the discomfort. It’ll continue your growth into the woman you’re becoming.
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