Have you ever noticed how easy it is to help everyone else, yet somehow forget to help yourself?
I had a couple of experiences recently that reminded me of that lesson in a very unexpected way.
As many of you know, I'm currently searching for a new job and exploring the next chapter of my career. While I'm excited about the possibilities ahead, I'd be lying if I said the process has been easy. Job searching can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. One day you're excited about a company that sounds like a perfect fit, the next you're wondering if your application disappeared into a mysterious black hole somewhere on the internet.
Last week, I had a virtual interview scheduled. About fifteen minutes before the interview was set to begin, I suddenly developed an annoying tickle in my throat.
I tried drinking water. I tried mints. I tried ignoring it.
Nothing worked.
At the same time, I noticed my thoughts starting to spiral:
"What if I don't do well?"
"What if they don't like me?"
"What if I'm not the right candidate?"
You know, all those wonderfully unhelpful thoughts that tend to show up right before important moments.
Then something clicked.
A few years ago, I completed training as an Aroma Freedom Technique Practitioner. During that training, we spent a lot of time discussing the connection between emotions, stress, and the stories we tell ourselves. While I am not a medical professional, the training encouraged me to pay attention to my thoughts, emotions, and physical responses in different situations.
As I sat there preparing for the interview, I realized the tickle in my throat had appeared at exactly the same time my self-doubt had started gaining momentum.
Whether the two were connected or not wasn't really the point.
The point was that I became aware of what was happening internally.
I realized I wasn't worried about the interview itself. I was worried about being judged, rejected, or not measuring up.
Once I recognized that, I remembered the tools I had learned.
I already had my diffuser running with some of my favorite essential oil blends, and I had applied a few oils that I personally associate with confidence and grounding. Following my instincts, I applied one of my go-to blends, Believe, to my throat area and spent a few moments refocusing my thoughts.
Within a couple of minutes, I noticed something had shifted.
The tickle that had been distracting me was no longer my focus, and the negative self-talk that had been running through my head had quieted down as well.
More importantly, I felt like myself again.
I attended the interview feeling calm, confident, and prepared.
And for what may have been the first time in an interview, I didn't start by saying, "I'm so nervous."
Because in that moment, I wasn't.
I was simply showing up as me.
Then this week, I received a call from another company inviting me for an in-person interview. As soon as I hung up the phone, I noticed that familiar tickle in my throat and those familiar thoughts trying to make a comeback.
Apparently, self-doubt had decided it wanted a sequel.
This time, however, I recognized what was happening much faster.
I reached for the same tools, took a moment to regroup, and once again found myself returning to a more positive and confident mindset.
What stood out to me wasn't the tickle in my throat.
What stood out was how often we forget to use the very tools, techniques, and resources we've spent years learning.
Whether it's journaling, prayer, meditation, exercise, deep breathing, talking to a trusted friend, personal development work, or any other practice that helps you feel grounded, we all have things that support us during difficult seasons.
Yet somehow, we're often the last people we remember to help.
We're quick to encourage others.
We're quick to share advice.
We're quick to remind someone else of their strengths.
But when it's our turn, we sometimes forget everything we know.
These experiences reminded me that self-awareness is powerful.
When we pay attention to what we're thinking, feeling, and experiencing, we create an opportunity to respond differently instead of simply reacting.
My job search hasn't been easy. There have been moments of uncertainty, frustration, and disappointment.
But there have also been reminders.
Reminders that I have valuable skills.
Reminders that I have a strong work ethic.
Reminders that I continue to learn and grow.
And most importantly, reminders that I need to believe in myself just as much as I believe in the people I encourage every day.
The right opportunity is out there.
Until it arrives, I'll continue using the tools that help me stay positive, grounded, and focused on what I can control.
And perhaps that's the lesson I'd like to leave with you today.
What tools have helped you through difficult seasons in the past?
And more importantly... Are you remembering to use them?
Please Note:
This article is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I am not a doctor, therapist, or licensed healthcare professional. I am simply sharing my personal experience and reflections. Everyone's experiences are unique and may differ significantly. If you have ongoing health concerns or persistent symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
0 Comments