Have you ever gone on a diet or exercise program just to fall off the routine? I certainly have. We all have at one time or another. This is exactly what has happened with my routine of writing blog articles
I call this problem, “Demons on the Bus.” The metaphor goes something like this.
I am the bus driver of my life. I have a destination to head towards based on my desires (values). I have a map I plan to follow to get there (action plan). I head out and the trip (my life journey) is going along just fine until I reach a challenge (bump in the road).
When there is a bump in the road is when the demons (passengers) on the bus start to tell me what to do.They are the noise or voices of discomfort in my head.”It’s too late. You’re too tired. You can do it tomorrow. You ate a cookie, a cake and a bag of chips. Give up! You can’t do it.” Sound familiar?
The feelings, thoughts, sensations and even memories are only passengers. They are along for the ride and are not in control. Although, I have to admit, they can be a distraction. They can take me off course if I give them too much focus. What to do?
However, I’m back in the drivers seat. I get to decide where I am headed. You can too be in the driver’s seat. You can connect to your values and re-commit to the plan of going in the direction you decide is in alignment with with those values. I’m not saying it is easy. I am saying it can be done. Additionally, it can be done with compassion. This means to gently hold the discomfort with kindness. Also, to offer yourself self-forgiveness for what ever may feel like a mistake.
Check out this video to watch a brief story about demons on the bus (less than 2 minutes). Also, just click here to watch Demons on the boat (less than 5 minutes). Both You Tube videos are short and entertaining and great to watch if you have kids who are struggling. Young children have demons too.
Do you have a success story about “Demons on the bus?” I love hearing from you about your journey. How do you stay in the drivers seat? How to you stay Captain of the ship? I love to hear how you keep your eye on the goal?
Related Articles:
- ACT: How to Grasp the “Third Wave” Approach to Meaningful Living
- 4 Important Questions to Ask Yourself About the Dark Side of Happiness
- Committed Action and Psychological Flexibility
Related Article on the Internet:
(C) 2012 Brenda Bomgardner, MA, NCC, BCC
Hi Brenda!
Watched the videos…is it weird that the bus driver was creepier to me than any of the demons on the bus?! Haha, 🙂 What a great way to visually depict the ways we self-sabotage though.
Tara,
What a nice suprise to have you visit. Steven Hayes, who is the orginator of ACT, is really different. I have trained with him and he had to remind himself to be serious. The videos are getting at how we get fused with the feelings to the stories we carry with us.
Warmly, Brenda