A messy house is one of those triggers that set my "Saboteurs" in motion. I don't mind admitting that I prefer a tidy home. It doesn't have to be ‘magazine’ perfect, but it should be neat enough to prevent me from tripping over shoes, bags, and dog toys. I like to be able to sit down on the sofa or at the
table without encountering bits of "stuff ". For me, a comfortable and calm home is a must.
However, there's one room in the house that doesn't quite meet these criteria. When I step into that
room, my "Saboteurs" light up with glee, eagerly waiting to take charge. But as I write this, I can't help but smile. You see, I've discovered a new tool, a playful one at that, and it's been a game-changer.
The idea is to imagine your "Saboteurs" in a movie or a play acting out the scene that causes stress
and anxiety. Even better, exaggerate the emotions of the "Saboteur" takeover you experience each
time this situation arises.
So, I scripted a theatrical play in my mind. It was a comedy, of course, where I envisioned my internal
characters: the harsh judge (acting as the headmistress), the eager-to-please Doris (feeling resentful
and irritated), and the highly critical stickler - Little Miss Perfect – (who, of course, knows best!) In this imaginary play, they created mayhem in the said room (as opposed to my head and body), while I
watched the scene from the audience.
Observing these powerful personalities, witnessing the sounds and actions of my overwhelm was truly
insightful. Initially, it made me laugh - why would anyone act like this - it was bonkers! But it also made me realize how much of my energy is wasted by listening to the negativity and crazy irritation of my saboteurs in situations like these. After all, when their fun is over, it’s me left feeling exhausted and utterly powerless.
You may wonder, "So what’s the point? The room remains unchanged." Yes, to some extent, that’s
true. However this self-reflection made me question my actions and the personal impact they had on
both myself and others. I could either spend each day utterly exhausted and locked in a battle over
this situation or choose to embrace each day with a sense of calm, more clarity, and an ability to
approach this scenario with a more rational mind, resulting in improved interactions with others and
greater happiness within myself. I also asked myself - when I look back at this phase of my life, will
this ‘messy’ situation really matter in the end? After all, who's in charge here? Am I just an ‘extra’ or
the leading director of my own play.
In conclusion, our Saboteurs are here to stay; they know our weaknesses and sensitivities, and
they are only too happy to pop up at moments like these. However, learning to minimize their role
and lessen their dialogue, leaving you to write the script, is a far better way to navigate your day-
to-day life—for everyone, and most importantly, for yourself.
Is there a situation or circumstance that puts your saboteurs on high alert. Want to rewrite your
'Saboteurs' scripts or even get to know these mysterious characters? Then join me on The Serious
Sofa to start writing your script together.
Have you ever wondered how it would feel to just sit down and share your story with someone else? To unravel your thoughts and start to imagine the steps you need to take to rethink who you are and where you want to be. I am Annie Peutrell, an accredited personal coach, and I invite you to kick off your shoes and join me on The Serious Sofa for a free 30-minute chat to see if The Serious Sofa will work for you.
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