The Stockdale Paradox

Contributed by Stephanie Staples at Your Life Unlimited

We’ve all been there. A bad day, month, quarter, year. Wanting to quit, run away, succumb, curl up into a ball, sleep and sleep and sleep because it’s just easier to be unconscious. 
We are in it up to our eyeballs and we can’t imagine how things will get better. Time is going so slowly. We just want it to be better, yesterday. 
To anyone out there in the darkness of a struggle, I would like to share something that works for me –  the Stockdale Paradox:

 ‘the ability to maintain unwavering faith that you will prevail in the end while also confronting the brutal facts of your current reality’.
It is a blend of optimism and realism. It’s crappy right now but we just have to get through it one day at a time, it is going to get better -maybe just not today.
Some seasons stretch us so thin we forget the small things that actually keep us grounded. So here’s your gentle reminder — and mine:

Take the next right step, not the perfect one.
Rest is not a reward; it’s a requirement.
Curiosity beats certainty every single time.
And you don’t have to do any of it alone.

Whether you’re thriving, surviving, or somewhere in the fog between the two… you’re doing better than you think. Truly.
*** 

 
On the Nightstand
The Woman All Spies Feared – Code Breaker Elizabeth Smith Friedman and her Secret Life – Amy Butler Greenfield/Samantha Desz 
 –  Not a typical pick for me but I thought it was ! A fascinating story of courage, brilliance, and quiet heroism. Proof that sometimes the most powerful people are the ones working behind the scenes.

Colleges and polytechnics

RDP and Olds College ranked among top 50 research institutions in Canada

7h ago

Christmas Tradition

CPKC Holiday train to arrive in central Alberta on Dec. 8

10h ago

Near Millet

Wetaskiwin RCMP respond to fatal collision on Highway 814

10h ago

In Case You Missed It –  Exploring Greyscale

Where in the world is Steph?
  From November 19-30, I will be totally off the map as I explore a 10-day Vipassana Meditation Retreat. 
“Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills, i.e., an Art of Living.”
If you are interested in exploring this somewhat terrifying-to-me experience go here to find a location near you. 

Wish me luck! Steph 
PS –  Happily taking bookings while I’m away thanks to my new team member, Julie! She’ll be happy to help you while I’m
Julie@YourLifeUnlimited.ca 
***

I love this soundtrack, Not Today by Imagine Dragons and from the movie Me BeforeYou (which I also love). 

Contributed by Stephanie Staples at Your Life Unlimited