Today’s Blog is our final BR Post for 2020. As such, it seems appropriate in this Covid 19 context and the festive season, that we share ‘The Gift.’
Quite by chance, we discovered recently, the remarkable Dr Edith Eger’s book, The Gift. Dr Eger’s extraordinary story - from her childhood trauma in Auschwitz (her parents were sent to the gas chamber the day of her family’s arrival in Auschwitz) until today, is indeed an outstanding gift to those ready and open to personal growth and the inevitable accompanying behavioural change. At 92 years of age, Dr Eger, a clinical psychologist, who with a lifetime of experience in listening to and observing human behaviour, shares the wisdom she has gleaned for coping with whatever life sends our way.
Dr Eger’s central message should not surprise. In short, she illustrates clearly that we always have a choice in responding to our circumstances. Now, if Eger were writing solely from her extraordinary personal life experience – surviving Auschwitz – we might well be tempted to attribute her exceptional resilience to a super-human power. However, if we are prepared to delve into The Gift and move into a state of ‘fearless reflection,’ we will find in its pages the opportunity of choice and how to respond to that opportunity in a way that sets us up for success regardless of our personal circumstances.
Choice of course, might take us into change, vulnerability and at times great discomfort. It most certainly demands personal discipline, determination, perseverance, and commitment to stay the course of change. Indeed, Eger’s chapters invite us to consider behaviours we may well prefer to shut out. She challenges us to unlock our Mental Prisons which she identifies as follows: The Prison of Victimhood; The Prison of Avoidance; The Prison of Self-Neglect; The Prison of Unresolved Grief; The Prison of Rigidity; The Prison of Resentment; The Prison of Paralyzing Fear; The Prison of Judgment; The Prison of Hopelessness; The Prison of Not Forgiving
Deborah and I are keenly aware that as individuals we must want to change, be inspired by the benefits of doing so and of course, be ready to do so. We also know from our substantive coaching experience that most of us need some help to change, and so, being ready to be coached can be an important prerequisite for our ultimate success.
As the festive season unfolds and we move into the possibilities (and uncertainties, for sure) of 2021, we encourage our readers to seek out our most popular BR Post of 2020: Take ownership of your future self. And, if you’re ready, we suggest you explore The Gift.
Be inspired to make 2021 the year you begin working towards your ‘future self’ with courage, self-discipline and commitment to change and discover your untapped potential - perhaps currently, as Eger believes, ‘lying in the shadows.’