I have to admit I sometimes watch a snatch of daytime TV while having a coffee. This time it was Dr Oz. and something he said gave me pause and made me think, so I thought I would share it with you.
His guest was someone who ate only over-processed ‘comfort food’ and lacked motivation to prepare healthier meals. Dr Oz told her they would ‘take a long walk though the Truth Tube’ and proceeded to explain the results of various blood tests, etc, that showed she was at risk of diabetes and other conditions. Visibly shocked by this information, she said she ‘should try better’, but it was obvious to me watching that she just seemed to cave in on herself, weighed down, possibly by a sense of hopelessness compounded by great big helpings of self-blame.
The breakthrough came when Dr Oz asked her how she felt about herself. She answered honestly, saying that she basically didn’t feel good about herself and that the food she ate was to try to deal with those feelings, but it just ended up making her feel worse. Not only did he ask the right question, he put his arm around her while he asked it. This provided a different kind of comfort and acknowledged both her as a person and the depth of her pain, without judgement.
Sometimes there are issues in our lives that require a closer look, by walking down our own ‘Truth Tube’ to better understand what is really going on. Simply becoming aware of a problem and bringing hidden areas it into the light allows us to find ways of dealing with it. More importantly though, we need to go further and lovingly ask ourself what emotions are underlying the difficulty, without any judgement or blame. Finding ways to overcome or release these negative emotions will invigorate us as the burden of guilt is lifted and the energy we were using to beat up on ourselves is freed up to use for positive activity. Self-acceptance will provide much stronger motivation to do what is necessary to make changes.
- Are there issues in your life you feel are holding you back?
- What are the feelings that are underlying these problems?
- Could dealing with the emotions lead to greater self-acceptance and motivation to change?
Comments
It is that gentle and loving questioning of ourselves that can help us unlock the underlying issues which we are often unaware of. Our emotions are often more powerful than we realise in determining whether or not we take action, or if we stick with the actions when the results take a little while in happening. It is all part of a wonderful and exciting journey of self-discovery and perosnal growth.
Motivation itself is an emotional feeling so I think you are right to highlight the impact that emotions can have to motivation. I also strongly support your suggestion to explore deeper in a loving manner.
Many thanks for sharing
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