I Have No Choice

They're expecting me, so I have to go.

My boss assigned it to me, so I have to do it.

The payment is due, so I have to pay it.

I said I would help, so they’re counting on me.

I signed the contract, so I’m locked in until it ends.

Sound familiar?

I recently made a connection between anxiety and feeling trapped.

Whether it was plans I made with friends, an appointment I felt I had to keep or bumper to bumper traffic, I noticed that I was feeling like I had no choice but to stay the course. And because lack of control makes me feel anxious, these scenarios had my anxiety through the roof.

When I started to recognize that I did have a choice, the feelings of stress and overwhelm started to disappear. The stuck feeling I was having was because of the story I was telling myself that I was obligated and there was no way out. Feeling obligated has always made me want to run away or shut down.

Here are some ways I have choices:

With the social event, I could politely decline.

With the work assignment, I could delegate or negotiate the workload.

With the bill that is due, I could set up a payment plan or seek assistance.

With helping a friend, I could say no or offer a smaller form of help.

With the contract, I can ask about breaking it or find out about other options.

Realizing you have a choice in any given situation is empowering because it shifts you from feeling like a victim of circumstances to being in control of your own life.

What would change for you if you shifted the narrative of the story you have been telling yourself about being stuck?

You’ve got this. I believe in you,

Suzanne

If you are curious about getting coached, or would like to know how personalized life coaching can help you, schedule a consultation with me to learn more. You can schedule consultations, coaching sessions and purchase coaching packages HERE. I look forward to working with you.