I have a new phrase that I would like to share with you. And who knows --- maybe it will catch on.
Have you ever been so rattled and panicked that you feel like you are a cat stuck up in a tree? You climbed the tree and now you cannot even contemplate how to get down again. You are petrified. HELP! Where is the friendly neighborhood firefighter with his handy-dandy ladder when you need him? You are "up the Panic Tree".
Maybe the Panic Tree happened because of financial hardship, a job issue, a strained relationship, a health scare, fear of making a mistake, or hurt feelings. However, it happens it has taken you and your happiness hostage. Temporarily.
I acknowledge The Panic Tree because I've been up there a few times in my life. It's a scary place. You think that you just might be stuck in that misery of uncertainty for eternity. And then, somehow someway the phase passes and the panic fades.
I met someone the other day and I recognized that she was "up the Panic Tree". It took a few tries, but she finally realized that she could get back down the tree on her own. It was a nervewracking yet glorious moment for her. And I celebrate with her and for her because I have a pretty good idea what it took mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually to climb down off the Panic Tree.
Sometimes it requires looking at the various branches with a clear mind. Sometimes we have to climb all the way to the top and look out over the emotional landscape to gain perspective. Trees teach us not to be afraid of heights but to respect them. They show us the connection between our physical world (rooted in the earth) and the spiritual world (as they reach for the sky). Trees are wonderful symbols of growth and strength as well.
Eventually, we listen to our soul and leave the fear behind. And hopefully, find a graceful way to return to consciousness. So if you find yourself on the Panic Tree, remember you will find a way off it.
Have you ever been so rattled and panicked that you feel like you are a cat stuck up in a tree? You climbed the tree and now you cannot even contemplate how to get down again. You are petrified. HELP! Where is the friendly neighborhood firefighter with his handy-dandy ladder when you need him? You are "up the Panic Tree".
Maybe the Panic Tree happened because of financial hardship, a job issue, a strained relationship, a health scare, fear of making a mistake, or hurt feelings. However, it happens it has taken you and your happiness hostage. Temporarily.
I acknowledge The Panic Tree because I've been up there a few times in my life. It's a scary place. You think that you just might be stuck in that misery of uncertainty for eternity. And then, somehow someway the phase passes and the panic fades.
I met someone the other day and I recognized that she was "up the Panic Tree". It took a few tries, but she finally realized that she could get back down the tree on her own. It was a nervewracking yet glorious moment for her. And I celebrate with her and for her because I have a pretty good idea what it took mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually to climb down off the Panic Tree.
Sometimes it requires looking at the various branches with a clear mind. Sometimes we have to climb all the way to the top and look out over the emotional landscape to gain perspective. Trees teach us not to be afraid of heights but to respect them. They show us the connection between our physical world (rooted in the earth) and the spiritual world (as they reach for the sky). Trees are wonderful symbols of growth and strength as well.
Eventually, we listen to our soul and leave the fear behind. And hopefully, find a graceful way to return to consciousness. So if you find yourself on the Panic Tree, remember you will find a way off it.
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