Me, myself and 2020

When I was chatting with the team about putting this workshop together, we thought they could do with a chance to pause, reflect and give themselves and each other a much needed pat on the back for getting through this year. I think we could all do with that to be honest! 

So I want to share with you today some useful questions for you to ask yourself so that you can celebrate your resilience, forgive your frustrations and walk into the end of this year with your head held high!

Let's get back to basics..

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Seen this before? It's Maslow's Hierarchy of needs, developed by Abraham Maslow in 1943. He was a humanistic psychologist and believed that for humans to reach their full potential there were some key areas that needed to be fulfilled first - basic needs, psychological needs, self-fulfilment needs.

If we look at the 2 bottom tiers (basic needs) and think about how some of those have been disrupted this year. Safety, security and rest in particular. Whether we are conscious of it or not our feeling of safety and security has been shaken, for some of us more than others. Feeling unsafe on a deep level is tiring. It leads to anxiety, stress, frustration, irritability, lack of energy and focus. So when we keep trying to do all the things that we did pre-pandemic - work, take care of our home, our family, friendships, exercise, be a good partner, friend, parent..... and it all feels double hard, let's remind ourselves that our basic human needs have been threatened. We are living in survival mode! Cut yourself some slack!

So I want you to grab a pen and paper and ponder on these questions.....

  • What's been most challenging for you this year?

  • How have you adapted and been creative?

  • Where can you offer yourself some kindness/compassion/forgiveness?

  • What are you proud of?

Then give yourself a pat on the back and write...

  • 'I am proud of.........'

Stick it up somewhere and do something to celebrate yourself!

Whatever challenges have come your way this year - you're here. You made it! it's a miracle. Be proud. Hold your head high.

Leah Davies