I first heard this American proverb at a Toastmasters meeting. This very nice lady that was part of the group was giving one of her speeches and she mentioned the phrase. Through the context of her story, I understood the meaning, although I still had to look it up.
For me, the saying meant that if you find yourself in a difficult situation, you need to take action, and so something about it.
Of course, sometimes this is easier said than done. Usually, difficult situations come accompanied with undesirable friends, like fear, anxiety, shame, doubt, etc. All of them combined can lead to a freeze response. You are incapable or moving, if it’s a physical response that you need to do, or you are unable to make decisions, and this can bring it’s on consequences and not for your own benefit.
The phrase made me reflect quite a bit, and even though this happened years ago, I still remember this nice lady when I hear it, or read it somewhere. It became a core memory.
I recognize the freeze pattern that sometimes I have experienced going through difficult situations. It is so frustrating. And that is part of the learning, dealing with the frustration, and the feelings of I have no clue. There is a big relief when you get through it, even if it was a painful transition, but getting to the other side is better than staying in the undecided, not what to do phase.
May you find the strength to get into action. I’m ok with a temporary freeze because in a way that is the time you are static because you are digesting the information, strategizing and coming up with a plan of action per se, but let’s hope the freeze time doesn’t take too long and that you can get unstuck rather quickly. The point of view can make a huge difference and it will open up the possibilities once you make your decision and move forward. Its even ok to take a step back and re-direct. Life is definitely not a strait line path.
With love, may you get the strength to navigate life’s ups and downs! The universe doesn’t owe us anything and most things are out of our control.
I recently found out about a little book called consolations of philosophy. The book was written by Boethius, an Italian man that lives around 400 B.C. The book is ancient but full of wisdom that is still relevant today. In this book Boethius tells his story on how he went from having success, a family, a good job, and in a twist of fate finds himself in prison after the king he worked for thought he was a traitor. In his prison cell Boethius is feeling desperate and extremely hopeless with the situation. He knew he was going to be sentenced to death and could not defend himself. He started writing and he said a woman appeared with messages. It was lady philosophy coming to the rescue. Here is a short video that explains his book in great style from The School of Life. I love how they talk about the Inner Citadel, which is you inside fort, your most sacred place where you have control of your thoughts and your actions, your attitude and your outlook in life. I hope you enjoy it!
Brownie! 