Have you ever found yourself jumping in to rescue someone the minute they finish telling you they’re struggling (maybe you even do it to yourself)?
Look on the bright side. Everything happens for a reason. At least… But remember all the things you’ve got to be grateful about. Don’t be sad/angry/upset. The universe had other ideas. Stay positive.
I call this urge to swoop in and smooth over the uncomfortable feelings Fairy Godmothering. As if, with a sprinkle of positivity, everything will be magically fixed.
Except usually things aren’t fixed at all. In fact, the thing that’s been pushed away or smoothed over will tend to find another way to make itself known.
Unlike Fairy Godmothering, creative exploration allows me the power to show up without demanding that things make sense. It doesn’t ask for an explanation. It doesn’t take away, hide, or smooth over the parts that are hard, challenging or uncomfortable. It doesn’t expect a perfect answer or a beautifully perfect finished product.
Instead, there’s an invite, and making room to notice everything for what it is.
A page can hold the contradictions of life: beauty and mess. Joy and discomfort. Playfulness and anger. Things can push up against each other and still belong in the same frame.
When we give ourselves (and others) the space to notice, to express and to get curious, without instantly waving our magic positivity wand, we’re providing the same opportunity to notice and hold the very human paradox of:
Being grateful and exhausted.
Loving someone and being frustrated with them.
Feeling excited and terrified.
Being sad and also joyful.
Being a leader and asking for help.
Wellbeing isn’t about Fairy Godmothering people into feeling good all the time. It’s about providing enough room for people to be human in all of it, even the conflicting bits.
Here’s to letting things exist alongside each other. Bel x
Every Sunday afternoon, Bel sends the Ignite community a personal note of encouragement – reflection, inspiration, stories, and sharing. It’s our way of helping you prepare for the week ahead. Add your details here to receive Here’s The Thing in your inbox.