WW124 🚀✨ Becoming truly free is not science fiction
Hey there, dear reader!
How are you? Have you managed to settle back into your usual routines here at the beginning of September?
Summer vacations always provide a great opportunity to relax, step away from the daily grind for a bit, and reflect on how we're shaping our lives – or, in the worst case, how others are shaping them for us. The more resistance you feel toward starting fresh in the fall, the less likely your life resembles the way you want it to.
I'm incredibly grateful to be in control of my work, and after a long summer break, I couldn't wait to get back to my daily life. Amidst the million social activities and going to places during summer vacation, I started to miss my daily routines quite a bit.
One of these routines is our Friday family movie night at home, which falls into the Swedish "fredagsmys" category. This term means that on Friday evenings, we pamper ourselves with family, friends, or a partner. This gathering gives us a chance to enjoy something delicious, watch a movie, play games, or simply chat. It's a fantastic way to unwind after a long week and enjoy each other's company.
I'm a huge movie enthusiast, and it all began when I was a little kid, thanks to my grandmother who regularly took me to the cinema. The biggest impact on me was made by "Star Wars" during my elementary school years. Flying off to a galaxy far, far away in the midst of the greyness of the '80s was an incomprehensible experience. My mind was blown, a new dimension opened up before me, and what truly turned my life upside down was experiencing a level of freedom that I couldn't even dream of before, all thanks to the influence of the film.
Back then, everyone wanted to be a Jedi at school, but I could relate most to the character of Han Solo, who, along with his loyal companion Chewie, roamed the galaxy. According to the story, he was a smuggler, an amoral mercenary motivated solely by money, but of course, it turned out that beneath his tough exterior beat a compassionate heart.
What really struck me about him wasn't his macho image but how much he was his own person. He didn't have a traditional job, always had the option to jump to lightspeed in a tight spot, and head off to a new planet. He sympathized with the rebels and helped them triumph, but he wasn't overly committed to the cause; he always put himself first.
I was incredibly inspired by that freedom, that independence; that's the kind of life I wanted for myself for real.
At 48, I've outgrown the world of children's stories, but thanks to Disney, I've managed to pass on my love for "Star Wars" to my daughter. We regularly watch the latest galactic adventures together on Fridays.
Currently, we're watching the Ahsoka series, which, to be honest, feels a bit childish to me with all the pew-pew-pew and constant lightsaber battles. However, I watch it with joy because it's quality time with my daughter.
Disney's diversity department has done commendable work. It was an interesting experience to realize what it must have been like for women and especially people of color to watch movies in the past decades. Spoiler alert: not good.
In the middle of the second episode of Ahsoka, it hit me that almost all the characters are female, and none of the main characters are white. Perhaps this is why I can't identify with any of the characters?
I started to think that maybe Disney is overdoing the political correctness, but then it occurred to me that they might intentionally be evoking this feeling in my white, middle-class, middle-aged cis-hetero ass. With that thought in mind, I smiled, leaned back on the couch, and happily munched on some chips while watching my teenage daughter fully immersed in the action, as the tough girls defeated the faceless villains.
I'm sure she's getting inspired by all of this, and I hope she'll be able to shape her life in a way that makes her happy!
Campaign
By the way, how satisfied are you with your daily life? Do you feel that your life is unfolding according to your own desires?
If there are many things you'd like to change but haven't been able to so far, a little help might come in handy.
Would you like to manage your time and energy better? Would you like to stand up for yourself more firmly and say no when necessary? Do you want to live more consciously and avoid burnout? If so, join us for our eight-week live online group burnout prevention program. You'll learn how to develop habits and routines that help you cope with everyday challenges.
During the program, you'll discover the patterns that have held you back in life and receive specific tools for effective communication and life management strategies.
The final group for this year starts on September 18, 2023, and we'll meet online every two weeks on Mondays from 6 PM to 9 PM.
For more details and registration, visit my website, or feel free to email me if you have any questions. I'll help you decide if the program is right for you.
By the way, there are only a few spots left...
Podcast
In the latest episode of "HAC," I talk about assertiveness, why it's not a miracle weapon, share a discussion that sparked during a previous group coaching session on the topic, and reveal how you can win the lottery.
I know that being assertive can be intimidating, standing up for our rights and dignity, but believe me, it's not hopeless. Of course, there's a chance that our request will be ignored, but there's also a chance it will be fulfilled.
Listen to the new episode on your favorite player to learn more about this Jedi communication skill!
Journal prompts
By the way, in your life, where do you consider it not worth trying assertive communication?
What are the past memories and experiences that make you think the situation is hopeless?
What if you still gave it a try?
And what will be the consequences if your request isn't respected?
It's worth pondering these questions and writing down your thoughts, as well as forming an action plan.
Well, that's it for today. Thanks for your attention.
If you want to level up your assertiveness to an intergalactic level, then join our group coaching program!
Best regards,
András