Most of us grow up inheriting a lineage of phrases common to the values and experiences of our family. See if any of the following sound familiar:
- Money doesn’t grow on trees.
- A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
- Here today, gone tomorrow.
- Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
- Jack of all trades, master of none.
One of the demons I sometimes battle is contained in the expression, “Waiting for the other shoe to drop.” Like many people, my history is a mixed bag made up of some really incredible experiences and some pretty traumatic moments as well. Though I mostly focus on the great things, there is sometimes a concern that lies just below the surface. Sometimes it keeps me from assuming that the best, not the worst, can happen.
There is a cautionary energy to these sayings as if they are trying to warn us. While it is good to prepare, have a safety net in place and be aware but it is important to move beyond fear-based thinking. Money may not grow on trees, but opportunity is everywhere in every moment. While perhaps we don’t have today what we have tomorrow, is it not possible tomorrow will bring even more of what we want, desire and deserve?
It’s not that the expressions don’t have some good lessons but be careful how you take them in. Maybe you don’t want to count your chickens, but it IS okay to dream and create a vision. Just be sure you put your action plan in place to bring it into being. Being a jack of all trades can help you acquire a lot of skills, tools and incredible experiences. And then keep that in balance by making sure you don’t lose focus and, at some point, it will require focusing on one thing to truly be a master.
Make up a list of expressions you recall from your past. See which ones still carry a charge for you. These can sometimes be woven into the fabric of our thoughts and end up being limiting beliefs. Let go of any of these common phrases that no longer serve you or rework them into a more powerful affirmation that supports your goals. Time to clean out the proverbial closet…for real. Check back in tomorrow for my personal experience of waiting for the other shoe to drop and how reframing can help.
