Charlene is learning just to play her game—not to classify what she’s doing as good or bad, but just play.
In the past, her efforts at learning seemed to carry an immense burden of self-judgment. Once, after taking a test, she quietly said, through a hint of tears, “it’s bad.”
She showed glimmers of competence and confidence from time to time, but then she sank back under the weight of her accumulated negative experience with learning.
Of all subjects, her weakest is maths. But—without a doubt—she can do maths. And she is starting to see that she can do maths.
When she suspends self-judgment, comparison with older siblings and peers, and the pressures of high school grades and impending university applications, Charlene can absolutely do maths.
And so, in this newly created judgment-free space, Charlene takes on a small challenge.
And then a slightly larger one.
And then a slightly larger one.
Like lifting slightly heavier weights in the gym.
And in this space, she is building new confidence, competence, and skill.
I am looking forward to what she will discover as she continues to LET GO OF SELF-JUDGMENT and allow herself just to play.
