Fears, Habits, Failing,
and some cute baby otters.
Hello Dear Friend,
Happy Sunday to you all, I trust that you are all doing ok out there, and are happy living your lives and enjoying the sights and sounds of spring.
Today, while looking for some ‘words of wisdom’ to share in a writers’ group I came across this quote:
“No matter what happens, keep on beginning and failing. Each time you fail, start all over again, and you will grow stronger until you find that you have accomplished a purpose—not the one you began with, perhaps, but one that you will be glad to remember.”
–Anne Sullivan Macy, via Helen Keller's 'Teacher: Anne Sullivan Macy'
That message, one of starting, failing, but starting again has been everywhere for me these last few days, so I am listening to the universal nudge and spreading the word. I myself am guilty of starting things, full of enthusiasm and energy at the beginning, I am sure you all know what that feels like. But then after a while it becomes a chore, something ‘you have to do’, the fun has gone, so it slides, and then becomes another thing to add to the failed pile.
I have been trying of late to consciously not fail at things - currently my diet (I have spent a lifetime on different diets), and getting back out into nature. The nature thing is the easier option as all I need to do is spend some time in the garden and if my legs are up to it, spend some time with Jo up at the allotment. Job done - just get myself outside. The diet thing, well that is not so easy. Not because the diets are difficult, well some of the ones I have tried have been - does anyone remember the grapefruit and egg diet… But really the reason I fail when attempting to lose weight is because of all the emotional habits and conditioning that have gone before. They become crutches to lean on, patterns to repeat, and comfortable places to be, in the moment. So wish me luck in trying to reprogramme myself, it may be a bumpy ride, but if I don’t do it, I will never be able to walk without pain again.
How To Learn From Our Mistakes
In relation to changing habits and failing, an email came through this week about a new book that may be worth a look-see.
You learn from your mistakes. At least, most of us have been told so. But science shows that we often fail to learn from past errors. Instead, we are likely to keep repeating the same mistakes.
What do I mean by mistakes here? I think we would all agree that we quickly learn that if we put our hand on a hot stove, for instance, we get burned, and so are unlikely to repeat this mistake again. That’s because our brains create a threat-response to the physically painful stimuli based on past experiences. But when it comes to thinking, behavioural patterns and decision making, we often repeat mistakes – such as being late for appointments, leaving tasks until the last moment or judging people based on first impressions.
The reason can be found in the way our brain processes information and creates templates that we refer to again and again. These templates are essentially shortcuts, which help us make decisions in the real world. But these shortcuts, known as heuristics, can also make us repeat our errors.
Professor Pragya Agarwal, via the Positive News website.
The book is called SWAY: Unravelling Unconscious Bias and can be found *here
Part of the book blurb says:
At a time when partisan political ideologies are taking centre stage, and we struggle to make sense of who we are and who we want to be, it is crucial that we understand why we act the way we do. This book will enables us to open our eyes to our own biases in a scientific and non-judgmental way.
I think it might be a very thought-provoking book, which may help us to challenge the way we react to certain situations and people.
How Not To Be Afraid
When it comes to making changes, looking into ourselves, and trying to break established patterns and biases, it can make us uncomfortable and fearful. I came across Gareth Higgins recently and his book has also been added to my to-be-read list… The Title is How Not To Be Afraid, Seven Ways To Live When Everything Seems Terrifying, what a great title.
If you, like me, have never come across Gareth Higgins before here is a link to his website
Good News Stories this week:
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park announced a couple of weeks ago that they had had triplets born to the Giant Otters. This is the 3rd litter for parents Alexandra & Orimar. They are part of their award-winning conservation programme aimed at protecting this endangered species, and they are just so cute.
More information can be found here
I think that is enough of my ramblings for one Sunday - I will send out the monthly Tarot reading tomorrow, I don’t want to bombard you with multiple emails in one day. So, until next time, as ever, may your angels and guides watch over you and protect you until we meet again.
Love and Light,
Tracy
Guided By Angels will always be free to subscribers. If you enjoy it please click the like button or share it with someone who might enjoy it. If you like it and can, please consider buying me a cup of tea.
I definitely run on tea
Thank you for reading and for subscribing.
Until next time, bye for now.
Links:
How to Learn from Our Mistakes article on Positive News website
*SWAY: Unravelling Unconcious Bias by Dr. Pragya Agarwal
How Not To Be Afraid - website
How Not To Be Afraid - where to buy the book.
Gareth Higgins - website
Yorkshire Wildlife Park Instagram Post
Anything in bold and underlined is a link to the relevant article or web page. None are affiliate links, just things I hope to benefit you, or people I admire and have worked with in the past.
Note: If there is a * these are affiliate links and may earn me a few pennies without adding to your cost. Disclosure: If you buy books linked here, I may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops
I too am trying to diet. I hate it!