In a world that seems to spin faster every day, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by worries and distractions. Amidst the chaos, we might overlook the growth opportunities that arise from pausing for a moment and being present to our inner reality.
The Gift
I recently listened to Edith Eger’s The Gift, recommended by a fellow advocate. The words ‘perspective’ and ‘victimhood’ resonated deeply with me. So, I decided to engage with the content fully: I switched off the audio during my drive and, once home, sat with a cup of tea and my journal, immersing myself in Edith’s insights.
At 98, Eger offers powerful lessons on resilience and self-awareness drawn from her harrowing experiences in Auschwitz. Her story of surviving unimaginable hardship and finding inner freedom is a testament to the human spirit. Eger’s wisdom reminded me that how we face our emotions and respond can lead to deep personal transformation.
Reflecting on Eger’s wisdom, I was reminded of the importance of slowing down and examining my reactions to the world around me. Eger teaches us that our responses to challenges shape our experiences more than the challenges themselves.
The Power of TED*®
As someone licensed in David Emerald’s work, author of The Power of TED® and the 3 Vital Questions®: Transforming Workplace Drama, Eger’s words prompted me to consider my current state. Am I more often in the Dreaded Drama Triangle (DDT)® roles of victim, persecutor, and rescuer—with myself or with others? Or am I practising the roles of The Empowerment Dynamic® creator, challenger, and coach?
With Spring approaching here in Australia, and our friends in the northern hemisphere preparing for Fall, this is a perfect time to step back and reflect on our journeys.
After completing Eger’s audiobook, I scheduled a me-time hour to disconnect from technology, ground myself, and reflect on her quotes. I read each quote and its accompanying statement, allowing a few moments of silence with each before moving on:
Invite Your Feelings In “…as long as you’re avoiding your feelings, you’re denying reality.”
Suppressing emotions denies us the chance to heal. Invite your feelings in, acknowledge them, and decide how long to hold onto them, facing reality rather than avoiding it.
Express to Heal “The opposite of depression is expression. What comes out of you doesn’t make you sick; what stays in there does.”
Expressing emotions is crucial for mental health and well-being.
Choose Freedom “Freedom is a lifetime practice—a choice we get to make again and again each day.”
True freedom comes from making conscious choices about how we live and respond to circumstances.
Release the Victim Mindset “When we’ve been victimised, there’s a part of our psyche that identifies with the victimiser.”
Moving away from a victim mentality involves recognising and releasing internalised messages of victimisation and choosing to empower ourselves.
Reflect and Renew “The things that interrupt our lives can also be catalysts for the emerging self.”
Use life’s disruptions as opportunities to reassess and renew your goals and desires.
Embrace the Present “Nobody can take your inner life or responses from you. Why do you give them more power?”
Focus on what YOU can control: your responses, mindset, and actions.
To support your practice, I invite you to:
Journal Your Insights
Reflect on your current mindset and how you might shift from a reactive to a proactive Creator perspective. Consider Eger’s exercises and the TED*® roles.
Explore the TED® Framework*
Apply TED* principles to transition from a drama-driven mindset to one of empowerment and creation. If you haven’t explored TED® yet, I recommend obtaining a copy of The Power of TED book or audiobook. It’s a quick read or listen, and I can provide access to the companion online Power of TED Workbook for AUD $45.
Practice Self-Compassion
Eger’s teachings encourage us to be kind to ourselves. Reflect on your self-talk and cultivate a compassionate inner dialogue.
Whether your next season is blossoming or cooling down, consider how you want to approach life and if any adjustments are needed. Take a moment to pause, reflect, and choose how you will show up for yourself and others. Embrace the opportunity to renew your commitment to self-trust, personal growth, and transformation.
If I can assist you with any of this, please get in touch. Beyond the exercises and prompts in this blog or the Power of TED* Workbook, we offer various options for consistent practice to become the best version of yourself.