SUNDAY NIGHT SLIDES
Y'all got some funny names for your Minds.
Trillby wins my vote, with notable mentions for Myrtle (from Moaning Myrtle in Harry Potter) and Flanders (assuming that's so you can say "Shut up Flanders!" on the regs). Oh and there was a Stiffler in there too – no comment 🙄
Seriously though, I hope that cognitive distancing technique has been a useful one and you've managed to try it out. One question that came up a few times in the replies was how to distinguish between the Mind and Self, so here's a quick answer for you...
Does what you're thinking, saying or doing corroborate with your list of core values? If it doesn't, then your Mind is likely to be in control of that situation and a quick cross-check to your values list and their associated beliefs will steer you away from distraction and keep you true to Self.
Print them out, write them down, set them as your phone background – do whatever you can to easily reference them for discipline on autopilot.
Bittersweet Celebrations
This time last week we were celebrating Josh's 30th birthday down in North Devon, a long-time favourite seaside escape of my family's and his. And although it might sound strange to say we were celebrating, the way I look at it, the young man we knew and loved ~ lived a life filled with love and laughter for two solid decades.
Do I still grieve the loss of what he could have achieved?
Do I still grieve the loss of his boundless creative talents?
Do I still grieve the loss of his personal presence as a friend?
Yep. I don't think that'll change much, but upon reflection, this birthday felt a little different and I'm hoping that's because I've unlocked another level of the gritty grief game.
Even though a voltage of emotions were still felt, as we recounted short stories of his life happenings throughout the weekend, the overarching feeling for me was one of a sense of pride.
Pride that during his time, he honed artistic crafts in multiple creative mediums and mastered them the way he naturally knew how – to the max. Pride that during his time, he made a positive impact on all those who knew him, with that ever-resonant goofy laugh. And pride that during his time, he was expressively (unapologetically) himself.
Takes one helluva man to be so too.
My definition of a man anyway.
Respect.
I'll be passing on this sense of pride to others when I can this coming week, so here's my question to you:
Who are you proud of? For the person they've become.
Let them know about it.
Cheers then!
Charlie
FEATURED SLIDE
FINAL THOUGHTS 💭
In memory of Josh Taylor ❤️