It is what it is

by | Nov 14, 2016 | Emotional Intelligence, Relationships (Self and Others), Stress Management, Time Management

It is what it is

I’ve been somewhat speechless and disturbed since the announcement that Trump is now the President of the USA. And it is not really for the reasons you might think. It is not because I am disturbed that we now have one of the world’s major powers in the hands of a man who is openly racist, sexist and self-serving (and I am being kind only using those descriptors) – although I am. It is not because I am disturbed that the people of the USA put him in power – although I am. It is not even because I am concerned about what this means for America and the rest of the world – although I am. The main reason I have been feeling so deeply disturbed is the huge outcry and immature posts I’ve seen on social media. It’s exhausting and draining. It has even prompted a bit of a digital detox for me because I really don’t want to hear the rantings. You know why? Because there is nothing we can do about it … It is what it is! All we can do is accept it and move on. I guess it is also pushing some buttons for me around an important life lesson I am working on and that is…

Mastering the art of acceptance

  1. Separate what you can change from what you can’t change: The first step to mastering the art of acceptance is discerning between what we can or cannot change. Growing up, I was taught that I should never accept the status quo, but challenge it and make things happen. This is a great skill when I am confronted with an obstacle in the way of my goals. Especially when it is an obstacle I can do something about, because I do! I’d say it is one of the main keys to my success actually. It does, however, have its drawbacks… I often want to change things that I am powerless to change. This is a real waste of my time and energy so I have gotten a lot better at discerning and I notice that the areas I need to practise acceptance usually involve other people (their attitudes, beliefs and actions) or involve places and/or things. When I don’t accept them as they are, I find my energy drained, my joy stifled and my mind preoccupied with nonsense! So, I owe it to myself to…

  2. Practise accepting: Acceptance is one of the steepest, rockiest and challenging paths life will invite us to take, and it should never be mistaken for an easy way out. It takes great humility, courage, discrimination, and strength to truly accept when you feel like resisting. One of life’s greatest lessons is learning to surrender and go with the flow. Life happens and it is your reaction and interpretation of these circumstances that will either free you or limit you. Developing a curiosity about how you react to the situations and people in your life can ultimately release you from the restrictions and controlling inclinations you had. Start there and then, next week, we will take some more Key Steps to “be the difference that makes the difference”

  3. Master the art of acceptance and manage your time and stress:  Contact Sharon and BOOK yourself on our upcoming Effective Time and Stress Management workshop on 1 & 2 December 2017. It could be the best gift you give yourself this festive season and ensure that 2017 sees you taking Key Steps to greatness. We looking forward to working with you.

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Namaste,

 

NOTE: The information in my blog may be freely shared and re-used in any online or offline publication, provided it is accompanied by the following credit line: This was written by Dr Sharon King Gabrielides, and originally appeared in her free bi-weekly  ‘Key Steps Food for Thought Blog’ available on the Key Steps website.

Dr Sharon King Gabrielides, EQ Expert, Founder and CEO

Sharon is a dynamic facilitator, speaker and executive coach with over 25 years’ experience in leadership development and organisational transformation. Her PhD thesis contributed a framework for holistic and sustainable leadership development that was published by Rutgers University in the USA. She is faculty of numerous business schools and highly sought-after by leading corporates because she works hand-in-hand with them to create sustainable results and long-term success. In 2020, Sharon was inducted into the Educators Hall of Fame, which is a lifetime achievement award, recognising excellence and her contribution to the field.

Sharon is one of only three women in South Africa to hold the title of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) – the Oscar of the speaking industry. She is also a COMENSA Master Practitioner (CMP), a qualified Modern Classroom Certified Trainer (MCCT™) and an accredited Global Virtual Speaker. Sharon is also a registered Education, Training and Development Practitioner (ETDP), holds an Honours degree in Psychology and practices as an NLP master practitioner.

Most important to Sharon is that she has become known for her genuinely caring manner, practical and transformational approach, and for providing valuable tools and that allow people to take Key Steps to really… ‘be the difference that makes the difference.’