Do you ever feel like you are running in chaos? You know, the feeling that you have so many things to do but you’re not sure how to get them all done or feel that they all need to be done now?
I have been feeling that way lately. I am trying to update my website and have some projects in the works that all need attention. As I was working on some calming and focusing on my visuals, I saw a flash of C3PO.! As a Star Wars fan, I was unclear why he came to my mind. But I then realized that 3PO is always in chaos – he is filled with anxiety and worries how life forces will get accomplished.
3PO runs around yelling and creating more discord. I realized that I have been feeling that way about the tasks I have taken on. So what was 3PO trying to tell me? Well, he showed up to bring attention to the stress I have been feeling and reminded me that I need to be more like his buddy R2D2. R2 is cool, calm and collected and seems to prefer the methodical approach to protecting the universe.
We all can take lessons from R2 that we need to protect our own universe – the space that surrounds us that helps us to work to achieve our goals. So, here are the lessons I think we can all learn:
1. Pay Attention – when life gets too chaotic, i.e. we take on too many projects or have too many worries, our bodies usually have a way of letting us know. It could be a physical sign, like aches and pains or stomach upset, or it could play out in a more physical way, such as losing things or having small “accidents”. When I wake up and have a bruise on my leg, I need to remember to slow down and look for the table that was in front of me!
2. Chaos only breeds chaos – if we feel as if life is breaking down, pushing those feelings aside will only create more. It’s the Law of Attraction at work. We need to assess the source(s) of the chaos so we can make an informed choice about which to keep, which to let go and for how we will handle what remains.
3. Change your outlook – when I think of 3PO, I always remember him as a ‘Nervous Nellie’ who acts like Chicken Little as if the sky is falling. In order to handle events and circumstances in our lives, we need to change the way we talk about them. Reframing them and challenging their reality helps to reset our cognitive mindset. Only then can you now face and deal with them.
4. Slow down – taking time to slow our minds and our bodies down will help when we feel out-of-control. Practicing the simple act of deep-breathing helps to calm both mind and body, which then allows you tap into that mind and control what you can control.
As one who believes in signs and symbols, among other things, my dream of 3CPO was an eye-opener; I have now taken a hard look at what I have piled on my plate, delegating what I can, letting go of what needed to be and focusing on the important tasks at hand. Do you ever feel like one of these droids? If so, how did you handle it? Would love to hear your thoughts!
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