Over the past month I've noticed a reoccurring theme pop up out of nowhere. It's not just a random theme like seeing all the unicorn merchandise that's taking over the shops at the moment, because I can just walk right past that (unpopular opinion: I wasn't in to it and so over it now). It doesn't resonate with me at all. The theme that I'm about to share with you is one of those that make you stop in your tracks and think for a moment. You were sure you heard about it not that long ago and the subject matter has come up again. Is it simply de ja vu? But why?
I'm a believer in that the Universe is always talking to you. The trouble is its just not as straight forward as you reading this, or even talking to someone in person. The universe sends you signs. These signs aren't that obvious at times but if there is a message that you need to know, the universe will make sure you get it!
An example of this is a facebook post I wrote a couple of weeks ago about my experience in wanting to donate blood. I had 3 signs telling me it was a no go. The first sign was when I walked over to the blood donating lorry parked outside my Dr's. I asked if walk ins were available and the nurse said it was by appointment only. I expected it as much as I was just being curious. My curiosity then led me to the website. Lo and behold they were in the hospital which is a 5 minute drive from me a week later, I thought it was perfect and could go after work! But here's when sign number 2 came in, I finish work at 16:30, their last appointment was at 16:15. There's just no way I could get there! But as stubborn as I am, I kept looking, until a page called "can I donate?" caught my attention. I clicked on it and I read the section where it outlines the basics of donating blood. And this is where I failed! Am I in good general health: Yes. Am I over 17 Years Old and Under 66: Yes. Do I weight 50 kg (7stn 12lbs)?... No I do not... I'm lucky to reach 7stone on a good day! But there it was, the good old slap in the face sign number 3!
As good as my intentions were, it wasn't meant to be as in the long run as it could have worse implications on me. The guidelines are there to protect you, and right now I'm wanting to Listen and ima wait until the time is right for me to donate my blood.
Back to the original point at hand here! The Signs that I'd been hearing about we're labelled as The 3 P's.
I first heard of this whilst listening to a podcast from A Happy Mind on soundcloud Titled "The 3 P's". As a podcast on how to deal with anxiety, these 3 P's are in the context of how to deal with anxiety, but they can also be applied in other contexts.
In this case the 3 P's stood for Patience, Perseverance and Persistence.
She talks about how you must have patience with yourself. It takes time to go through your journey of self development and learning about your emotions and learning more about yourself on a deeper level. It's not something that can happen over night and it is a journey that takes time to go through the trials life sets you.
She then goes on to talk about Perseverance. This I feel is an important step and I 100% agree with what she says here. Just because dealing with something in a certain way didn't work, it's not a reason to give up. It's all about trial and error to see what works for you. Like exercise, someone might love running but another individual might love climbing instead. The only way you'll figure out your workout style is to try as many as you can from outdoorsy sports to gym classes.
And this brings me to her 3rd point of Persistance. Even if its taking you longer than you wished to over come something, whether its reaching a weight loss goal, changing your life around, or learning to deal with anxiety, just keep going. Keep moving towards those small goals, even if its just baby steps. Reaching the next step is still you being further than where you once were.
All of these points resonate with me and I'm sure they do with you too on some level. They are small tips to help you acknowledge the actions needed to be taken to better yourself on any level!
As inspired as I was when I listened to the podcast I admit some of it may have slipped my mind over the next couple of days as I was catching up on her other podcasts.
That was until I did a First Aid course with work, and the subject of the 3 P's came up again. As you can imagine my ears perked up here and I was intrigued! However the 3 P's had a different meaning this time round. Preserve, Prevent and Promote. Of course this is all in the context of first aid and helping others in a time of critical need. To Preserve life, Prevent any further injury/illness and to promote recovery. However I couldn't help but feel how relevant those 3 words were in the context of wellbeing in general.
I've been focusing a lot more on my wellbeing and happiness this year. Adapting positive habits and trying to be more positive in general to change my mindset. I'll be honest with you, its not easy and I'm challenged everyday! But the latter 3 P's resonate with me too.
I want to Preserve my intentions of the positive changes I'm implementing. I want to prevent myself from settling back into my comfort zone and I want to Promote my internal growth and self development.
All in all I've mention 6 P's.
Patience. Perseverance. Persistence. Preserve. Prevent. Promote.
Out of these the 3 I feel strongest and the most relevant to me are:
Patience, Perseverance, Prevent: I know that this journey I'm on is not a quick trip, it'll be a life long journey, forever learning, evolving and growing, but I'm excited to see where I go and where life takes me. I refuse to let myself get to the point where life feels stagnant again.
What 3 P's resonate with you the most? Let me know in the comments, I'd love to hear from you! I hope this has given you a bit of food for your thoughts so to speak. No matter where you are in your life, whatever journey you are on. Keep going! You're doing great!
** Quick note here- Another set of 3 P's popped up again in a book I was reading! This time in the form of Productivity, Planning and Punctuality. This time they resonate differently with me... thinking about them, I've realised I've been slacking in these areas and I'm taking it as a sign that I need to get my ass in gear and step it up a level! Universe, I hear ya! **
