Name Your Monsters to Tame Them
"A monster hiding in the dark will never be as scary once you’ve turned on the light."
I recently heard this phrase, and it made me think about why I find naming things helpful.
When I can name what’s going on, it feels more manageable.
Often, it’s a feeling, such as frustration or worry. That said, I don't always find feelings easy to name immediately, so sometimes it’s helpful to name what’s true: I didn’t sleep well last night, or I’ve got too much on at work.
Naming things separates them from you. It helps you see your "monster" more clearly. You take back control.
Journaling is a helpful way to do this: to notice what’s happening, give it a name, and decide what, if anything, needs to change. Here's a prompt you could try: "List what’s true for you right now. Name things as they are, without judgment and explore what you notice once they’re on the page".
Perhaps this is something you already do quite naturally, or it is something you could try. Let me know in the comments. I'd love to hear from you.
