The Problem with Escape!
“True self-care is not salt baths, and chocolate cake, its making the choice to build a life you don’t need to regularly escape from.” -Brianna West
Brianna has a point. Many of our transgressions are an attempt to escape.
What's your go-to when you feel:
Deprivation
Boredom
Anxiety
Disappointment
Annoyance
Hopelessness
Loneliness
Fear
Shame
Overwhelm
Worry
When these emotions appear our primal brain, left unmanaged, will sound the alarm (because it thinks you are in danger.) Note: A primal brain left unmanaged is like a toddler running with scissors!
To escape, your brain offers you a lifeline to detract from the unwanted emotion. And it’s so easy!
Doom scrolling on Instagram (but those dog videos!)
Grabbing a drink, or two or three
Online shopping
That pint of yummy ice cream in the freezer
Smoking something
Signing up for that next seminar or class, you know, THE ONE that will make the difference
Getting lost in Netflix
Heading back to the gym to the second time today
“Busyness” to avoid downtime
Chronic, deliberate over scheduling
Obsessing about other people's welfare/problems…admit it, you can identify these tendencies in OTHER people right?
Escaping (or numbing) becomes the priority. Most of the time you don’t even recognize what is at play.
But here’s what I want you to know.
This is a very basic and natural response. The primary job of your brain is to protect you at all costs. This has been the case for thousands of years, and once you become aware of this evolution, you can begin to unpack this for yourself.
Without the judgment, shame, and heaviness.
Why is this important?
Because the more you escape from those feelings, the less tolerance you have when they appear the next time. Neural pathways become very established and now the escape is the automatic default. You may not even recognize it until you are well into the escape. Unless you interrupt it.
I get to talk with my clients about establishing their vision for what their next chapter might look like. It’s just the best.
In the process, we honestly and bravely recognize, interrupt and let go of the thinking and behaviors that don’t align with their vision for themselves.
Progress is made, changes become natural (not chores.) The clarity makes it so much easier to sustain and continue. No second guessing, vacillating or negotiating at every turn, that's exhausting!
Let me share the steps with you. Schedule a call a private call below.
I can get you going. I promise no matter your circumstances you can curate a life you love. It just takes some curiosity and courage. You In?