Walking the Talk

What is that?  In my mind it’s conscious intentional living.  It’s the intention to practice what we preach, and not just focus on everyone else.  Does that mean we are perfect or don’t make mistakes???   NO!!!!!!!  It means that when we notice that we are not behaving in alignment with what we know is more helpful or what we hold as a value then we have the opportunity to correct ourselves.  The expression I like to use when I veer off-course is “The part of me that knows I shouldn’t be doing this isn’t in charge right now”!!!!  That is where the 12 Step “One Day at a Time” slogan comes in.  When you notice what isn’t working you have the opportunity to forgive yourself and begin again.  While you’re at it, you might want to take notice of what triggered you to ‘be derailed’ in the first place.  Often it is an emotional trigger or a negative thought.  Once you find other methods for dealing with difficult emotions and thoughts the ‘old methods’ of ‘veering off course’ don’t become as automatic, and you don’t veer as far before correcting things.  Remember….forgiving yourself and ‘getting back on track’ is where you want to focus your attention.  Beating yourself up will keep you stuck in the loop of denial, avoidance and shame.