Hello Reader,

I’ve been delving into some fascinating tools lately, and one that’s caught my attention is called The Sailboat Metaphor.

It’s a brilliant concept crafted by psychologist Hugo Alberts, offering a fresh perspective on our personal journeys.

The metaphor likens our lives to navigating a sailboat across the open waters.

There are eight key elements to this metaphor - water, steering wheel, destination, leaks, sails, compass, weather, and other boats.

Each element symbolises crucial aspects of our individual experiences.

Your sails represent the character strengths that drive you forward.

And just like any boat, you may encounter leaks (weaknesses) along the way that require attention.

The other boats symbolise the people in your life - some may create waves, while others offer support to keep you on course.

Now, imagine yourself as the Captain of this sailboat.

We can often forget that we're at the helm, steering towards our chosen destinations.

Sure, there might be leaks (we all have vulnerabilities), but you have the skills to patch them up.

It’s all about taking control of your journey rather than letting limitations dictate your course.

The key is realising you are the master of your sailboat’s voyage.

You’re the Captain, steering towards your goals by guiding the wheel with your values.

While you can’t control the water (your circumstances) or the weather (uncontrollable factors), you do have your compass (intuition) to navigate by, and this metaphor empowers you to be the active Captain of your life’s journey rather than just a passenger.

Here are some questions to ponder:

• Are you the Captain of your sailboat or merely a spectator?
• Are you steering your sailboat towards your desired destination or being led astray by external influences?
• Do you recognise and address the leaks in your sailboat?
• Are you equipped to handle the challenges that come your way?
• How do the people in your life impact your journey?

Keep navigating with purpose, and remember you’re holding the wheel! ☸️

📰 Interesting Reads This Week

Here are some articles/news stories that I’ve come across this week:

​As a Therapist With ADHD, Here's What's On My Dopamine Menu​

I have so many ADHD coping skills that I often forget that many other people don't need them. I love this article about creating a dopamine menu of dopamine-stimulating activities for different situations and needs.

​It’s important to recognise trauma – but we should not let it become our entire identity​

How we shape our identity plays a vital role in determining our wellbeing.

​A Psychologist Lists 3 Boundaries That Make Modern Relationships Work​

I love that the shared division of household labour is on this list. Maintaining a household is the responsibility of all who live in it.

💖 Cultivating Connection

Insights and tips to nurture positive relationships in your life:

Peace is different to comfort. Peace is cutting toxic people out of your life. Comfort is keeping toxic people close to avoid being alone.

✍️ This Week’s Journaling Prompts

• What activities bring you joy and make you lose track of time? How can you incorporate them more?
• Recall a recent moment when you said "yes" automatically, even if you didn't want to. How did it feel?

🧠 Positive Affirmation of the Week

Repeat the following affirmation to yourself for 7 days and see how it changes your thinking:

I am worthy of prioritising my own needs and desires.