And after you notice...

I've noticed that many of my recent posts have been about noticing. I do have a 'thing' about noticing: it's the foundation for choice and change. But then what? 

I noticed something happening on autopilot in myself the other day. Instead of me seeing this as a step forward and something to celebrate, my inner critics instantly jumped in. "Why are you doing this?," they snarled. "You know you shouldn't. It doesn't help." That was another thing to notice. 

When you're looking to do things in a new way, those 'judgey' voices often come out in force. My first reaction when I realised what was going on was to feel a bit despondent about it all. My body was still tensed up. It felt hard. It took effort to stop and realise that there was something to feel good about: I'd noticed what was going on. Well done, me! 

Only then did I tentatively start to change direction. For me, that begins with a moment of stillness and mindfulness, to silence my mind and get into a relaxed mode. That pause enables me to get curious about what happened instead of judging myself. From there, I can figure out what I can learn from it. 

It all starts with noticing, but there's a journey to go on beyond that. Sometimes it's quick: I get curious pretty fast and there's a different spring in the whole process. At other times, much more effort and self-compassion is needed. 

There's no right and wrong in how to do this - what's important is to find a way to move towards what matters to you. What might work for you?