Hello curious person
It’s been a while since I’ve posted a blog because a lot of things have been happening in my life. This down time, however, has led me to the theme of this next blog post so inspiration really can come from any moment.
As with most people, I lean into the scroll of death when the going gets tough because it is the great distractor of the modern-day and, rightly or wrongly so, it’s very effective at that. It’s a cesspit of misinformation though.
I feel like I’m just seeing post after post oversimplifying vast topics. Whether that’s mental health, wellbeing or exercise. It just feels like we are swamped with content telling us to make that one “simple” change, do this instead of that or to stop something immediately. This trip down the rabbit hole left me with a big question:
Are these people actually qualified to speak on these topics or are they speaking from their personal experience like it’s the answer for everyone?
We know that sharing an experience can be a really powerful way for people to learn and connect. However, an experience is an experience and sometimes the language around this gets a little warped when things move from “I did”, “this happened to me” and “I changed” to “you should”, “you’re [insert negative quality]” and “this is the TRUTH”.
Admitting a topic is complicated is not a hot look on social media, where everything needs to be in an easily consumed and fast format, to gain a following and to sell products associated with that topic. Some of the best people that I’ve learnt from, and wish to continue learning from, approached everything with an “it depends” mindset. They’re open and invitational in their language: “I don’t have the exact answer but this could work”, “let’s try these three things and see which one feels best for you” or “where do you feel this”. This is the true reality to most of these vast topics that can’t be simplified into a 15-second TikTok. However, learning from these people, who have an openness and confidence to not know the answer, has inspired what I like to bring into all of my classes. Each person in a class is here to live their own experience that may feel similar to, the same as or totally different to another individual in the room.
I’m sure the people giving this experiential advice are trying to help – I’m in no way disputing that – but remember to give yourself 30 seconds to check their intention. It may be just to help, it may be to share part of their day, it may be to “fix” you or it may be to sell their services. Let your intuition guide you and mentally check whether you align to this. In my opinion, openness is key to any great professional when it comes to mental health, wellbeing or anything else connected to your overall health. What works for them may not work for you and vice versa!
I think the message I’m trying to send is that not everything is simple, sometimes we need to try again and again to achieve the goal and “simple” fixes aren’t always that simple if someone doesn’t know your commitments, schedule and everything else about your life.
I just want you to remember this the next time you’re seeing the “this is the answer” post. It might be the answer for you. It might not be the answer for you. Try things again and again to find what is right for you.
Thank you for staying with me on this share
Sam
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