All about hope, morning not-to-dos, and breathe with the sea
Hi there, I’m Aarti, Founder and Lead Psychotherapist at Incontact. Welcome to the fourth edition of 1-1-2 Inspire! It’s a pleasure to share this space with you as we explore ways to find balance and joy in our daily lives.
If you find this newsletter meaningful, please consider sharing it with someone who might benefit from a little inspiration too. Let’s continue to uplift each other. 💜
Here’s 1 story, 1 takeaway, and 2 tips to see you through a brighter week.
1 Story
The mechanic’s lesson
In a quaint little town, lived a mechanic named Frank. He was known for his exceptional skills in repairing cars. Frank believed that every vehicle had its own story, and understanding that story was essential to making effective repairs.
One sunny afternoon, a wealthy customer pulled in with a brand-new sports car, its sleek design gleaming in the sunlight. ☀️ 🏎️
The car had a minor engine issue, and the customer was eager for a quick fix. “I have an important meeting in an hour,” he insisted, impatiently tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.
Frank took a moment to breathe and assess the situation. Instead of rushing to start the repair, he calmly examined the car, checking each component methodically. As the minutes passed, the customer’s frustration grew. “Just fix it! I don’t have time for this!” he exclaimed.
Looking up, Frank met his gaze steadily and said…
You see, it’s not just about fixing the car; it’s about understanding it. This machine needs care, just like we do. If you want it to last, you must learn to appreciate its complexities.
Frank’s words echoed Mark Manson’s insights from “Everything is F*cked: A Big About Hope,” where he emphasizes the following:
Hope is not a feeling; it’s a process.
Frank wasn’t just repairing the car; he was imparting a valuable lesson about the nature of hope:
Rushing to fix things often leads to more problems. In life, when we try to speed through our struggles, we miss the opportunity to learn and grow.
As Frank continued his work, he shared a story of a past customer who ignored the warning lights on his dashboard. “He thought he could put off the issue, but he ended up facing a much bigger problem because he didn’t take the time to understand what was happening beneath the surface.”
Eventually, Frank completed the repair. The car was now humming smoothly. The wealthy customer, who had been watching nervously, was astonished to find that not only had the mechanic fixed the problem, but he had also done it with a sense of care he never expected.
1 Takeaway
Embracing the process of hope
The value of hope, much like that of a well-tuned engine, requires attention, understanding, and time. Frank’s approach is a reminder that life’s journey is not about how fast we move but rather about the depth of understanding we gain along the way.
When we embrace our challenges and take the time to understand them, we create something far more resilient within ourselves. Hope thrives in that understanding, transforming our experiences into sources of strength and wisdom.
The key is not to avoid pain but to learn how to deal with it.
— Mark Manson in Everything is F*cked: A Book About Hope
Tip #1
Worst things to do after you wake up
Today’s first tip is on what not to do first thing when you wake up in the morning. ⬇️
Tip #2
Breathe with the sea
We have talked about the 4-7-8 breathing technique before.
Use the following video to reduce stress and embrace a sense of peace alongside the calming ocean waves.
“Hope is not about certainty. It’s about believing that we can navigate the chaos together.”
— Mark Mason
