taking compliments differently

a remarkably foolish approach

We all have our talents.

We all have our superpowers.

As a therapist, one of my greatest strengths is connecting disparate bits of story, experience and information to see people in their strength, power and glory.

I’m pretty fucking good at this.

Frequently, people say things like Wow Jim, How did you do that? I’d never considered things this way before. You’re really good at this.

For a long time I went full Canadian false modesty. I’d lower my gaze, try to flush my face. Then? I’d merely thank them for the complement.

That’s what ordinary fools do.

BOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRIIIIING

bo bo bo

Ring the bell and get the hell out of here with the false modesty.

What’s worse, energetically it’s like letting the air out of a balloon. They feel filled with energy about a discovery. Then?

Pfffffffffttttt!

Half way through my time working clinically after that kind of compliment I started saying things like:

Hold on. I’m not good at this. I’m fucking great at this. This is why I get paid to do what I do. The sh…