Recently, I gave a workshop about energy and the body at the Women's Wellness event at the YMCA in Newton. I love speaking to groups and enjoy the process.
In the afternoon, I did intuitive connections and chair-Reiki. I wasn't always so brave. It took me until adulthood to harness my power, speak up, and love the spotlight of center stage.
At lunch, I headed into the big room to grab a bite.
Suddenly, I was back in grade seven with a tray in my hands, looking for a place to sit the first week of school.
You see, I used to be very quiet. I didn't burst into a room with a loud voice or desire to be the center of attention. As a kid, I was invisible until adulthood when I decided I couldn't be shy and be an effective teacher.
You could imagine my surprise when I entered the room in a
deer-in-the-headlights, frozen moment. Suddenly, I was back in seventh grade trying to find a place to sit in the crowded cafeteria, feeling awkward. I thought that little shy girl was gone, but I was wrong!
After giving myself a swift kick in my backside, I smiled and sat at a table, and introduced myself. To my relief, my friend walked in and joined me.
We all have moments in our lives when our childhood experiences color our adult perceptions of who we are.
Share yours.
(The picture below is the Sussex Community Event and presentation I did before Covid before the room filled to capacity.)
I've totally had those moments when something like feeling like I'm in seventh grade again pops up. Self-compassion has helped me tremendously.