𝐒-𝐎-𝐒 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫-𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬!
“I am my own rescue.” (Lisa Nichols)
S-O-S is an international code signal of extreme distress, used primarily by ships at sea. It is an urgent appeal for help. This code is often used by people who need rescuing. Rescue is the act of saving (someone) from a dangerous or distressing situation. All of us have experienced and is experiencing the need to be saved in some area of our life. The paradox of life is being proficient in one area, and deficient in another. This paradox is what frequently keeps people stuck and not walking in their purpose. Operating in your gift, but struggling with the “business” part of doing life, is an example of needing rescuing. We all have different areas of our lives that require an S-O-S! Where do you need saving, and how do you save yourself? S-O-S!
How do you save yourself?
You first have to admit that you need rescuing. “When you judge yourself for needing help, you judge those you are helping. When you attach value to giving help, you attach value to needing help. The danger of tying your self-worth to being a helper is feeling shame when you have to ask for help. Offering help is courageous and compassionate, but so is asking for help.” (Brené Brown, Rising Strong) The challenge most people have with admitting they need rescuing is that they believe it requires help from others. The idea of needing help makes some feel weak and vulnerable. Yet, before you can get to the “asking for help” phase, you need to acknowledge the part you play in your own rescue. Here are some things you need to consider for an S-O-S:
1. Where do I need to make changes?
2. Am I accessing the right resources?
3. Do I have a plan?
Getting clear about these three things helps you navigate the choppy waters of your existence and allows you to arrive safely to your destiny.
It’s not working!
The practice of mindfulness causes you to evaluate the outcomes of your choices. Albert Einstein said, “Insanity is doing the same thing, expecting a different result.” I have observed leaders and laypersons alike continuing on the same path looking to get a different reaction or outcome. The inability to try something different is usually a result of ego, ignorance, fear, or all of the above. Whatever it is, self-awareness should cause an internal questioning of the current course of action, which seeks out a better outcome. It is equivalent to traveling in a rowboat using one oar. One oar is only going to take you in circles, never getting you to your desired destination. What needs to change? Do I need more education, information, or training? Am I asking the right questions? I have to be willing to ask myself questions and give truthful answers if I am going to rescue myself.
The right resources
Am I accessing the right resources? Who are you spending time with? If you are going to save yourself, you need to become selective about the company you keep. Who you spend time with is about seeking out like-minded individuals; these are mindful and purposeful people. I am clear that I was not designed by God to carry other folks. Why? Because they are heavy… Hello! I am not just talking about physically heavy, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually heavy. I am supposed to walk with people and even rub up against them. There is a scripture in the Bible that says, “Iron sharpens iron.” (Proverbs 27:17) The problem with some of our resources is that it or they are equivalent to tin. Tin is very soft and malleable, flexible with low tensile strength. When tin is rubbed against iron, the tin becomes useless or even destroyed. Iron, on the other hand, is hard and reliable, and when rubbed against other iron, a sharpening takes place. You want your resources to be like iron, to make you better and position you to help yourself.
What’s your plan?
When I was a kid, I loved watching the show MacGyver. I know I am dating myself. MacGyver was a fictional secret agent who was resourceful and could solve a range of problems. It was probably helpful that he always carried a Swiss Army knife and a roll of duct tape. (Chuckle) He could take the least amount of resources and get himself out of any predicament. He was a man with a plan. MacGyver is an example of “being my own rescue!” It is not enough to have access to resources. You have to create a plan and get it done. I know what it is like, sitting around waiting for someone to fix “it” for me. I have learned that no one is coming to get me out. If I want to get out and stay out, I have to plan and execute. People can assist, but it becomes attainable and sustainable when I own it!
So...
“Getting over a painful experience is much like crossing monkey bars. You have to let go at some point in order to move forward.” (C.S. Lewis) Saving our-selves requires a willingness to let go of anything that hinders or hurts us intentionally. There are people still suffering today because of family or loved ones who were supposed to look out for them, let them down. Holding on to this suffering is poisonous and toxic. Holding on to this suffering is equivalent to thinking that the hurt individual is going to change the minds of those who hurt them and convince their offenders to come back to rescue or save them. The reality is we are going to have to save ourselves! What does saving ourselves look like? It is you determining that you are worthy regardless of what other people say or said, do, or did. No matter who left you hanging, at this moment, you are enough for your own rescue. As you move through this week, decide where to make changes, gather your resources, and work your plan. Your saving is in your hands. Send up a flare, an S-O-S to your soul, so you can experience the freedom you desire and deserve.
Until next time... Be empowered!
𝓓𝓜𝓛
