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Get a new identity card

Icaruslanded Senior Contributor

Get a new identity card

Gooood aftermorning peeps! Hope everyone is feeling okay.

Time for a fun little metaphor - I was thinking of this walking back home, hope it makes sense.

I worked for a corporate place in the city and they used to give us our own coded access card to get into the building. My identity - a piece of plastic with coded information that would let me access the right floor. It didn't define me, just let me into places I was needing to be. Hmmm.

Ok, so when the devil decided to fart in your face once more and life seems like, "here we go again" that can really play tricks with your mind and send you into a downward spiral. Before you know it, you start believing all that negative nonsense your mind dishes up with an extra dollop of nasty on the side. T'aint fun, is it? We then start to shift our identity into less than.

What if you kept your own little summary identity card in your purse or your wallet for those times? Keep it simple - dot points of your best attributes - things you like about you and what other positive things people tell you about you. Next time you feel the foul sulphur wind coming your way, whip out your card and remind yourself of WHO YOU REALLY ARE. Just a thought. Peace.😊

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In response to: Get a new identity card

Lapis_Anteater Peer Guide

Re: Get a new identity card

Hey @Icaruslanded

This is such a great idea. Having something physical to remind you of your strengths could make such a difference. I just might adopt this. Thanks!

In response to: Re: Get a new identity card

Icaruslanded Senior Contributor

Re: Get a new identity card

Hey @Lapis_Anteater (cool name - I love crystals, have a lot of them, which I use in my private life. Lapis Lazuli is one of my all time faves (the best comes from remote mines deep in Afghanistan you know - there is your fact for the day lol). I often get these little 'brain farts' as I like to think of them - little bits of wisdom we can use to move forward. Analogy and metaphors are powerful teachers if we use them to explain complex things - something I love to do. So glad this helped you and thanks so much for letting me know (gives me a buzz when I get feedback). Have a great evening.

In response to: Re: Get a new identity card

Icaruslanded Senior Contributor

Re: Get a new identity card

I am so glad people found this helpful. It was just an idea I had coming home, but sometimes the most powerful answers come from the most simple concepts, and simple, uncomplicated really helps when you are "going through S*** Creek, sans paddle!

I was having a really rough morning emotionally, all sorts of worries and a bad night, but I got myself out of my funk with some simple tricks I know. And yes, I did make an identity card for myself too. Here are some additional things you could do in regards to your own ID Card:

"I know I am capable because I....(you are still here after all you might have been through, which PROVES you are stronger than you might think, right?)

"I know I am safe in this moment because...(look around you and put your senses to work with what you can see, hear, feel, taste and smell - ground yourself and breathe deep from the belly).

"I know I am loved by...because they...and I that makes me feel..." (go deep here, because we all need to feel accepted, validated, worthy and loved. Don't believe the negative inner voice - it tells lies).

"I succeeded in the past when I..." (empower yourself by thinking back to a previous challenging time. You got through it then with a particular strategy and you can do it again. If it is different, you can still use it as a base, modified a bit if need be. You are more powerful and resourceful than you currently give yourself credit for.

I remember when...told me that I...it made me feel...(now, remember a compliment someone gave you in the past and feel how it made you feel at the time - use that same feeling in the present.

I hope these make it a bit easier. Stay positive, take it in small chunks you can handle, remember to love yourself no matter what. Truth is, no matter what life throws at you, there is always a way through it if you are committed and persistent. An oak tree is strong, not because it has it easy, but because it has grown strong in the wind, the rain, the cold, against pests....be the tree!

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