A few days back I invited a question on FaceBook page for Social Care Managers. It was simply asking ‘What is stopping you living the life you truly want RIGHT NOW?’
There was quite a big response. It included the expected replies of work, health, money, etc.
I responded with this:
I hear you all. What if there was a way to enjoy all the good stuff this career (Social Care) can bring but still enables us to live a peaceful life? Not only is this possible but it can be proved, and lived.
Somebody, quite rightly, called me out. They responded ‘Do you have a magic wand?’ I thought this was an excellent response and question and replied ‘sort of, yes’.
You see our experience of life is sort of like a magic trick, using powerful diversionary tactics and the best special effects department in existence.
A magic trick is great if it leaves us scratching our heads, wondering how it was done. We enjoy the mystery of it all as it gives us thrills, wonder, drama and excitement. However, if you have ever seen those ‘magic exposed’ shows, you can see how the trick is done. When we see how a trick is performed, understanding grows but the magic is gone. We can often wish we had never seen how it is done in the first place so we can once again enjoy the drama and experience of it all.
So you think you have 2 choices
Watch the magic and be amazed, enjoy the experience but stay where you are, ignorant of how it is done
Understand how the trick is performed but lose the magic
But there is a third way.
Reality is the magic trick, and its bloody good. But when you understand the ‘trick’, you understand how it works, and that then frees you up to really enjoy the skillful way in which the trick is performed. You can marvel at the sleight of hand and illusions whilst still understanding it is a trick, and so there is no need to be afraid, to get involved in the drama, to become anxious.
You enjoy the magic, free and liberated. It’s the best of all worlds
Martyn Dawes is a Coach, Social Care Consultant, and Author of The Overwhelmed Manager: What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do
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