Up Til Now
/A phrase I often invite my clients to add to the things they tend to say to themselves or to others is “up til now”.
This seemingly small addition can make a real, even profound, difference in how you experience your life.
I invite you to play with it, experiment with it in your life, and see what happens.
What this phrase is saying to yourself and to the world around you is: “I am open to the possibility that tomorrow does not necessarily have to look like yesterday. Maybe it will, and maybe it won’t, I don’t know. But I am truly willing to be open to that possibility.”
Let me offer a few examples
“It has been really difficult for me to say “no” when I am uncomfortable with something, up til now.”
“Up til now, it has been too scary to ask for what I really want from my family, my friends, or my partner.”
“Up til now, I haven’t been very good at letting go of my position in order to really hear the other person’s point of view.”
“I have been reluctant to acknowledge something I appreciate or to express my gratitude, up til now. ”
“Up til now, It’s felt almost impossible to begin to change a habit I think is causing a problem in my life.”
“It has just felt too scary to tell my truth, up til now.”
These are only a few examples. See if you can come up with a few more. Be playful and creative with your awareness.
Most of us tend to be afraid and reluctant at even the thought of change, so please be very gentle and compassionate with yourself as you play with this idea.
Write down other examples. Feel free to send them to me, and I will add them to the list.
Let me know if you have any questions. You can always reach out to me.
Warmly - Frank