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A PROGRAM OF THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION
 

IOM Blog

April 14, 2020

Lessons Learned from Time Travel

Recently, I had the great fortune of running into one of my favorite neighbors.  He introduced me to a high school friend he reconnected with after 53 years, no less!

My neighbor hadn’t predicted they would be walking in the park that day all those years later.

We never know what life has in store for us.

If given the opportunity – what would you say to your younger self?

Would you give advice?

You’d likely tell yourself to buy google stock, but beyond that … might you tell yourself it will all be okay?

Yet, here we are on life’s journey and so many of us are waiting for something extraordinary to happen, yet we’re blind to the fact that the something extraordinary is happening to us RIGHT THIS VERY MOMENT and we’re completely unaware.

To appreciate who you are today, what if there was no need to throw in any warnings, exaggerate the stories, describe the sorrow or play up the frustrations to your younger self?

Why do we sometimes lose sight of what it is we’re working toward in the first place?  Which is ultimately happiness.

In a moment you’ll be invited to time travel, but first, let’s set the stage.  Picture your younger self and all its’ nuances: your hair, clothing, smile, body language, etc.  You are sitting across from your younger self in a booth at a diner about to embark on a conversation.

There is only one rule when talking to your younger self.  No interjecting feelings, emotions, opinions, judgments or the sort.  I want you to be objective.  Simply state the facts of your life.

Here’s an example:

I’ve lived in 10 states; traveled to 22 countries; held 8 jobs and learned 3 different trades; I don’t have any home maintenance; no debt; I meet an average of 10-20 new people each month; I was present during the death of someone close to me; I was recognized for my work in several publications; I have two grandchildren.

Here’s another:

I have a bathroom on each level of my home; a view of the mountains; a master’s degree; married 25 years; three healthy kids, one graduating with honors; my parents live 20 minutes away and attend school functions; I see my siblings often; I have many friends; I cook healthy meals and am fit.

It’s your turn to time travel.  Take your time.  Be Objective.

When doing this exercise with my clients, what was completely unexpected were their surprise reactions.  They realized how grateful they were for the lives they were living.  They just hadn’t stepped back to recognize and appreciate them. The occasional struggles, hard-work, bruised egos and losses had blinded them.  When viewed objectively, one’s life can be seen and appreciated from a different perspective.

You are perfect.  Right here. Today.  And your younger self doesn’t need any advice from you to be living an extraordinary life.

Avatar photo
Michelle Lefebvre, M.A.C., CPC
Chief Executive Officer
Coach With Michelle

Michelle is the CEO of Coach With Michelle, Inc. a company that encourages and helps people Live Bigger, Bolder and Braver as leaders in their life – leaving them to love Monday mornings again.

Michelle bases her work on the notion that everyone has the ability to lead themselves and others regardless of job title and level. She is a leadership trainer, business coach, consultant and speaker. Michelle is a certified coach and mediator and has 30 years of experience working in the fields of gerontology, Human Services and teaching college. She’s been recognized with awards and has spoken at the White House alongside First Lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton and former United States Secretary of Health & Human Services, Donna Shalala.

Adding an element of fun is important for Michelle whether at work or giving back to her community. She is a former Peace Corps volunteer and enjoys running international marathons to raise awareness and funds for the eradication of Polio.

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