Overwhelmed Or Underwhelmed? Put Yourself in an Eggshell

My guess is that nearly everyone reading this has an egg carton in
the refrigerator (unless you are a full-on vegan). Even if you
currently don't have any eggs in the fridge, you haveheld an egg,
cracked an egg,
looked at an egg, and maybe even
pondered eggs - and their shells.Today, I want you to think about the
shell of an egg in particular and what its purpose is.Permeable, Yet
ProtectiveThe idea of putting yourself into an eggshell is one I
learned from my friend, Dr. Julie-Ann McFann. She coaches people to
imagine themselves in an eggshell. The idea is that you are protected
but by something that is still permeable. This is a fascinating
concept to me - and it makes tremendous sense.When we imagine
ourselves encased in an eggshell, we know we are protected - yet we
are not behind some 10-foot brick wall that cannot be breached. Living
behind an impenetrable wall is neither realistic nor
desirable.However...There are times in life, particularly when we
start to feel overwhelmed or underwhelmed, where we need to begin to
protect ourselves - and visualize ourselves - as protected, yet still
reachable. Let's think a bit more about that idea and some times when
it might apply for you:You are overwhelmed by the negativity on TV
(this happens to be one of mine). Since my husband is a newshound and
is able to watch the news and not be affected in the same way as I am
(and since I really like my husband), there are times when I will sit
in the vicinity of the family room, but with music or a book playing
in my ear on my iPhone. I have an eggshell.
You are overwhelmed with the drama of some of your extended family.
You can't completely wall off your family, but you can put yourself
into an eggshell so that they are not able to pull you in to their
drama and "crisis" situations.
You are underwhelmed with the lack of drive and lack of commitment to
excellence from some of your co-workers. You can't completely ignore
them - and you still want to treat them with respect - but you can put
yourself into an eggshell to prevent their poor attitudes and dismal
performance from encroaching on your excellence and work ethic.These
are just three possibilities. You can probably think of others in your
own life.What Do You Need to Protect Yourself From?I know this
question is not the best syntax...but it sounds better than the more
formal (and more correct) "From what do you need to protect yourself?"
Either way, let's think about this question...and determining an
answer.If you feel comfortable doing so, jot down the names of a few
folks or a few situations from whom you need to protect and distance
yourself. If it is not comfortable for you to write down those
people's names, then describe the mental image you have of being safe
and protected in a special eggshell or bubble.Now, ask the question,
"What would get to happen for you if..."you protected yourself from
angry co-workers?
you protected yourself from a neighbor who brings all her problems to
you (and has for years?!)
you protected yourself from saying yes to every request that comes
your way?
you protected yourself from a relative's "guilt trips" and "pity
parties"?When you answer the question, it gives you focus and strength
to create your protective eggshell.