Not Doing It Right
Do you ever think that you know the right way to do something and that others don’t? This happens to me and it is so painful. I want them so badly to do it my way. Stepping back and noticing this made me curious. Why am I causing this feeling for myself and is there another way?
Getting curious always helps. It opens up space to think another way.
My husband and I were recently in the Exumas zipping and puttering around in a small boat enjoying all the mesmerizing colors of the Bahamas water. Every color of blue and green you could imagine. The small boat allows us to go into very shallow water and even nudge onto the beach. He normally drives and I just take it all in. Both of us navigating by watching the color changes in the water (to read the depth).
I’m a conservative boater. I don’t like to take any chances. I’m always thinking about the “what if’s” like the engine stopping and the wind blowing us onto the rocks. I think the “right way” to go boating anywhere is to be conservative. My husband, who has lived in the Bahamas for over 40 years, is confident that if anything goes wrong, we will figure it out. He is joyful and having fun zipping through the water at high speeds...even in shallow water. I am holding my breath because I think he is doing it wrong. I want him to do it differently. That thought causes me anxiety. It’s not a nice feeling.
Who says you’re not supposed to go fast in shallow water? If I allow myself to ask the question “What if I’m wrong?”, I can look closer at the possibilities. Could I be wrong? What if it’s okay to go fast in shallow water? What if we do kick up some sand with the prop? We are still safe. It’s all okay. Thank you brain for being cautious but we are not going to die here. All is good.
When you have to be right or you think your way is the best way, I urge you to step back for a moment and ask yourself “Could I be wrong?” or “Am I willing to be wrong?”. It could open you up to a whole new experience for you. The possibilities are endless.