093 | “Who says?”

“Who says?” It’s a simple question that has been immensely helpful to me in this year of discernment and renewal.⁣

The question came from a session with my spiritual director who I’ve been working with the better part of seven years. He definitely part of what @heatherdixonadams would call my “board of investors.” Our work has been an important part of my return to being well following cancer treatment seven years ago and from burnout more recently. (It’s important to note that had I returned to spiritual direction sooner from a break I took when we adopted Miss T, it’s probable I could have dealt with the issues that lead to burnout more healthfully.)⁣

Back to our simple question…”Who says?” ⁣

The work of discernment includes untangling motives spawned of our own sense of obligation, fear, duty, comfort, safety, or people-pleasing from the life-giving movement of God’s Spirit in our hearts and lives. ⁣

“Who says?” is a helpful question when the story I’m telling myself starts with…⁣

• ⁣“I should…”⁣

• “I have to…”⁣

• “I can’t…”⁣

• “I shouldn’t…”⁣

⁣It’s a question that serves to break us out of limiting beliefs, old paradigms, and fixed mindsets. It’s a question to scramble old tapes and release long-held assumptions. ⁣

It’s a great question to pull out when you’re struggling to create space for intentional rest.⁣

⁣“I should? Who says????”⁣

“I have to? Who says????”⁣

“I can’t? Who says????”⁣

“I shouldn’t? Who says????”⁣

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“Who says?”⁣

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Reflection Question

What is a situation when asking “Who says?” would be helpful to you?⁣

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