Being Flexible: Learning to Adapt

Being Flexible: Learning To Adapt

Something of late has had me in reflective mode, and that is being flexible. Flexibility is something that can either make or break a person, or situation. Having the ability to think on the fly quickly without having to debate merits of pros and cons.

It isn't the same as being impulsive because in that situation its involving taking uncharacteristic chances with life that often ends in really bad outcomes. Being flexible involves a lot of self confidence and knowing how and when to be accountable for the action or reaction to a set of circumstances that will or is about to unfold.

There is a level of personal discretion in knowing when and how to elicit responses to outcomes fairly quickly and without second guessing. Each person is different in how they are flexible, whereas my situation this was a skill that wasn't taught to me in a critical way.

I would flail about, and make costly mistakes along the way. I have found in my travels people do wear their emotions on the outside, plus it doesn't help that there is a level of exclusionary tactics that combines for inflexible strategies.

Taking notice of this I would say something off handed, making curt observations to the fact, and this would hurt my intended (pretend stock) in the situation. Though our perceptions play a key role in how flexible we can be, ultimately though it comes down to choices we make.

This has gotten me into trouble on many occasions. It really does take a keen and observant person to really key in on specifics. But where I've often struggled with flexibility is in my extreme rigidity. That often will undo or put a squash on a project, friendship, or any other manner of which stifles compassion, or understanding. As with another post, the theme is always environmental, and though I cannot control what others do, I often have to be the one who engages in flexible strategies.

Flexibility is something that involves patience, understanding, and steadiness. There is not a need for debating or questioning. Its a skill that takes practice, and for bipolar this is so paramount to know the differences. Reaction versus reacting, or put another way, finding and following your internal guide. Definitely something I was not prepared for when I became independent.

There are challenges, especially when you first start out, and I say this with folks of mental illness there is a lot of down time, there will be situations, conversations, and the such. For me the caveat is always making sure I have balance amongst what I am capable of. There are moments where I fall off and I have to pick myself back up because I made a slight miscalculation to choice or descision.

Don't be hard on yourself, there are good days, and there not so good days. The key is to accept, and and forgive yourself, and that in itself is being flexible. Thanks for reading.

B.