Education
Simone Silverstein is a friend and coaching client. Like most people as a result of Covid, Simone's life took some unexpected turns and major adjustments. As a long-time weed connoisseur, Simone ramped up her reliance on the nightly joint and one drink to manage tumultuous times. Let me preface by saying, her consumption of either would most likely not be considered 'problematic,' which is partly why taking a closer look at her behavior was never really on the table. She's a highly functioning mother of 2, with a proper job as Editorial Director, living outside San Francisco, CA. Plus, in a state where you can get designer weed delivered to your door with the click of a button - it's hardly a rebellious act. But the way she was starting to feel; a bit foggy, overly anxious, and then that niggling inner voice became loud enough to spark curiosity about taking a break from her deal-with-life-and-kids-decompression habits. BC (before Covid), we were working to fully unlock her creative potential. By reprogramming her thoughts, beliefs, and unhelpful stories on a deep subconscious level to achieve her goal of becoming a Creative Director. But the mental fog, lack of clarity and motivation coupled with the inconsistency to work on her own personal growth during Covid, slowed the process. Buffering is a destructive habit - Either consciously or subconsciously escaping uncomfortable or painful feelings & emotions by: Over-Drinking, Over-Eating, Over-Smoking, Over-Netflixing, Over-Shopping, Over-Consuming Social Media, Over-Busying, etc. and you experience a negative consequence once the temporary pleasure is gone. But most of the time those feelings you're trying to avoid, come back harder or worse than before - once the buffering haze has worn off. At the time of recording this, Simone was two weeks into her 40 days of taking a break from buffering. Within a relatively short timeframe, she had lots to share about her newfound soberness alongside many insights. "I feel more peaceful, happier, more sustained energy, and I do 'nothing' better," says Simone. "The joy is around the PRIDE and CONFIDENCE around that I’m doing something good for myself." If I show up and do this, I am telling myself I can have more trust in myself." Buffering can be so habitual much like brushing your teeth, it's hardly noticeable. Which is why awareness starts by asking yourself if you're choosing to over-do this thing, why are you choosing that? The power is in the conscious choice, and to be able to experience who you are with and without the buffering, and the decide to add it in. The truth is, we all buffer. There's no shame in the game, and I'm on a mission to bring awareness, help people take a break from buffering, and break any stigma or shame around it. The question really is, what would be possible for you if you took a break from buffering? Who would you be?