Coaching Corner: Be afraid?
By "Coach" Marilou Butcher Roth
Today is Friday the 13th! Does the thought of the 13th of the month falling on a Friday give you shivers, or at the very least make you a tad nervous? As is my nature, I got to wondering about what the big deal is about a Friday the 13th.
Honestly, after looking, I am not sure why this date has such a bad reputation. There seem to be references to the last supper, among other interesting reasons, why the 13th falling on a Friday generates fear. There are, in this country alone, countless people who live in fear of times when Fridays and 13th's fall on the same day. There are an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States that are affected, sometimes paralyzing them with fear.
Come on, many good things have happened on various Friday the 13th's. What is piquing my interest is how a belief such as this one had its start. Why not Friday the 9th, or Monday the 12th?
Why, is my resounding question...
This is one of those topics that take me to how each of us, at times, react to situations that are outside of ourselves. We can succumb, and be at the mercy of external situations, reacting in ways that create varying degrees of stress for ourselves as well as others. In thinking specifically about Friday the 13th, I know that I am somewhat making light of a fear that may be real for many, and, also reminding you along the way that you, and only you, are in charge of your reaction to any situation (or day) that shows up in your life.
So, whether its Friday the 13th, or a flight that is delayed, your reaction is yours. Hit your internal pause button, take a breath, identify how YOU are feeling. From there you can decide what action you may (or may not) want to take.
Take this day, look it square in its Friday the 13th beady little eyes, and declare that you are in charge of your life! And don't forget to smile!
Marilou Butcher Roth
Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati.
Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee.
