The Inventory of What Is True: A Powerful Healing Exercise
We all face moments of feeling low, anxious, or overwhelmed. It's a natural part of being human, but we often amplify our problems while overlooking the positives in our lives.
In this post, I want to share a simple and effective exercise called the "Inventory of What Is True." It’s a tool designed to help you ground yourself, adopt a realistic mindset, and support your journey toward personal healing.
The Problem: Overestimating Problems and Dismissing Suffering
Often, we have a tendency to overestimate the problems we face. We blow them out of proportion, making them seem much bigger and more important than they actually are. At the same time, we underestimate the positive aspects of our lives and dismiss our own suffering. We may even build emotional armor to protect ourselves from life's difficulties. However, it's essential to acknowledge our struggles without adding unnecessary weight to them.
The First Step to Healing: Learning to Be There for Yourself
One of the key aspects of healing is learning to be there for yourself. This means taking deliberate actions to address your needs and prioritize your well-being. It might look like:
Practicing self-care, whether that’s through rest, nourishment, or relaxation.
Standing up for yourself in challenging situations.
Making difficult decisions, like setting boundaries or leaving a toxic relationship.
These actions, while sometimes uncomfortable, are acts of empowerment. They remind you that you are capable of overcoming obstacles and deserving of care.
These actions, while sometimes uncomfortable, are acts of empowerment. They remind you that you are capable of overcoming obstacles and deserving of care.
The Second Step: Recognizing What Is True
Healing requires a realistic perspective. Being grounded in truth means seeing situations as they are—neither embellishing nor dismissing them. This clarity can help you address challenges more effectively and make decisions based on what truly serves you.
Adopting a realistic outlook can be transformative. It allows you to:
Navigate life with a clearer mindset.
Release distorted perceptions that amplify stress or negativity.
Approach problems with confidence and a sense of control.
The "Inventory of What Is True" Exercise
To put these principles into practice, I encourage you to try the "Inventory of What Is True" exercise. This simple and powerful tool helps you assess your life with balance and perspective. It involves making a conscious inventory of both the positive and negative aspects of your life. Here’s how it works:
Create Two Lists: On one side, list the challenges or struggles you’re facing. Be honest (avoid catastrophizing, avoid making it worse). On the other side, list the positive aspects of your life—the things that bring you joy, stability, or hope.
Ask Yourself Questions:
What am I struggling with right now?
What am I grateful for?
What is within my control to change?
What truths am I avoiding or minimizing?
Reflect: Look at your lists. Acknowledge your challenges without judgment, and appreciate the positives without dismissing them. This exercise can help you develop a more balanced and realistic perspective.
A Journey, Not a Destination
Healing is an ongoing process, and this blog highlights two key aspects: self-compassion ( to be there for yourself) and realism. These are just the beginning, with much more to uncover in future posts as we explore additional steps in personal growth.
Learning to support yourself and approaching life with a realistic perspective are essential parts of this journey. By practicing self-care, taking action, and acknowledging your circumstances as they are, you can cultivate a mindset that is resilient and empowering.
The "Inventory of What Is True" exercise offers a simple, practical way to start.
Thank you for reading!