Mascots & Relationships

When was the last time you went to ball game of some sort and watched the mascot? Those silly characters can get away with acting crazy, carefree and "get away" with some crazy behavior without much consequence. They make the game more attractive and fun and people want to be close to them and even desire photos to remember the experience by. Heck, where do I sign up?

What many of us don't realize is that we already wear a mascot, or in some cases, several. At times we may use these mascots to be silly and carefree as a way to cover up our insecurities and vulnerabilities. In other times we use them in ways to make us look or be small and to hide ourselves and what we think others won't like or accept about us.  Either way, we create a relationship with ourselves, and others, that isn't authentic and can be damaging to these relationships.

This theme has been on my mind strongly for the last couple of weeks, possibly because I knew it was about time to blog and possibly because I have been watching people and noticing how much we hide our Greatness. Either way, here are a few of my thoughts on the matter as well as an exercise I have had others I've taught participate in.  Their stories of the experience were amazing and I welcome you to share yours with us as well.

For the next few weeks I would invite you to look at your relationships.  Relationships with your spouse or significant other, children, siblings, work, friends, parents, food &/or substances, and most importantly yourself. Notice what mascot(s) you may be wearing and how they affect any or all of these relationships.

Give yourself permission to take some time and write about these mascots and the role they have played and are continuing to play in your life, for better or for worse. Ask yourself if you are willing to take off the mask(s) and allow people to start seeing the real you.  Are you willing to see the real you?  How will taking off the mask affect  these relationships, especially the one with yourself?

When we stay inside the comfort zones of our mascots we become "safe" from good things as well, such as growth, learning and unprecedented results of what we desire to accomplish.  Instead we go to knee-jerk reactions and tendencies as well as not having to take responsibility, that then create roadblocks to what we desire.  We create separation and further pain and discomfort instead of the connectedness we truly desire.

Two thoughts:
Life is an echo - what you send out comes back.  - Chinese Proverb
People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges.  - Joseph F. Newton

Be Brave and Enjoy taking a look at Y-O-U and who you are.
Trust that you are more than good enough to be accepted by others...as you are.
See how taking your mask off, if even for a minute, will bring you strength and courage to be you and to accomplish the things you desire to accomplish.

If you would like assistance give me a holler.  I trust you can have fun with this process!



Until Next time...Go BE Great!