Today I have learnt that you cannot break through physical barriers if you don’t break through the mental barriers.

FNB hosted a “Women INpowered Workshop” where Mark Grobbelaar taught us “a super simple physical technique that will immobilize anybody, all the time”.

I agreed with Mark that I can remember this ONE THING. But there were NO WAYS that I could break a wooden plank with my fist.

I understood that if I believe I won’t be able to break it, it WON’T. And that if I did believe I could break it, it WILL. I am a great believer in self-fulfilling prophecies, but still, this is a solid wooden plank and physical strength is not one of my strong points.

So, whilst I am trying to take in the valuable lessons he teaches us, I am also worrying about my ego taking a knock when I fail this test in front of the others. I must admit that his confidence that we will all be able to do this intrigued me. And I started paying attention to the message he wanted to get across.

The first lesson that resonated with me, was that when something feels wrong, we should not ignore that feeling. For me it translates to trusting my gut in a dangerous or unhealthy situation. If my heart, mind and gut are not in alignment something is wrong and I need to pay attention.

The second lesson was that in a life-threatening situation we have three choices:

• Flight – It is important to realise that we can attempt to leave the situation.
• Fight – If we are not properly equipped or skilled then this might not be an option.
• Freeze – To do nothing might be the default position if we don’t realise that we do have choices.

I recognised that these options not only apply to physical dangers, but also where we find ourselves in mentally unhealthy situations. We can leave the situation; we can fight the situation or we can do nothing. But we always have a CHOICE.

My final break-through was, I DID IT!!! That wooden plank split in half with splinters scattering all over. I was super impressed and surprised by myself. I did not believe that I held that kind of power within me.

If you find yourselves feeling powerless and trapped in an unhealthy situation, please reach out to me by completing the contact form or visit my website.

Be intentional about the choices you make!

 #selfdefence #mentalhealth #emotionalwellbeing #livingwithintention #coaching #m3perspectives