Keeping It At Arm's Length

What part of you are you holding at arm's length, pretending it's not there? That the theme of this mini podcast.

Grasshopper Notes are the writings from America's Best Known Hypnotherapist John Morgan. His podcasts contain his most responded to essays and blog posts from the past two decades. 

Find the written versions of these podcasts on John's podcasting site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1628038

"The Grasshopper" is the part of you that whispers pearls of wisdom that  seem to pop into your mind from out of the blue. John's essays and blog posts are his interpretations of these "Nips of Nectar." Others have labeled his writings as timeless wisdom. 

Most of the John's writings revolve around self improvement and self help. They address topics like:

• Mindfulness
• Peace of mind
• Creativity
• How to stay in the present moment
• Spirituality
• Behavior improvement

And stories that transform you to a wider sense of awareness that presents more options. And isn't that what we all want, more options? 

John uploads these podcasts on a regular basis. So check back often to hear these podcasts heard around the world. Who wants to be the next person to change? 

Make sure to order a copy of John's new book: WISDOM OF THE GRASSHOPPER – 21 Days to Creativity. These mini-meditations take you inside where all your creative resources live. And you'll come out not only refreshed but recommitted to creating your future. 

It's only $16.95 and available at BLURB.COM at the link below. https://www.blurb.com/b/10239673-wisd...

Also, download John's FREE book INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change. It's available at John's website  https://GrasshopperNotes.com

Transcript

Keeping It At Arm’s Length

How many times have we brushed off something we've heard about ourselves—maybe even from multiple people? We go into instant denial mode. We get dismissive. Or we go big—decide that everyone else is just flat-out wrong.

That strategy? It only works in your own head.

We keep other people’s observations at arm’s length—or even further—so we never have to really consider them. Why? Because it protects the image we have of ourselves. It keeps the illusion alive that we’ve got it all figured out.

It’s like your self-image is on steroids. And here's the twist: the more hooked we are on avoiding our flaws, the better we get at pointing out those same flaws in other people.

Even when we’re surrounded by evidence that maybe—just maybe—something's true about us, we rarely take it in. We’re so focused on how others don’t recognize our brilliance that we miss the obvious: our own very human shortcomings.

It's a mix of superiority and resistance—and that’s a deadly combo when it comes to self-awareness.

The thinking goes something like this:
 "If they only knew what I know, they’d understand me. Someday they’ll get it."

But let’s be real—that just boils down to: “I’m right, and they’re wrong.”

And with that mindset, the world will never stop challenging your perfect little model of yourself.

Let me give you a quick story.

I was walking through my neighborhood and saw a lawn that had just been sodded—lush, green, perfect. It was beautiful. A few days later, I noticed a small patch had dried up. And as time went by and the dead spot stayed, I started getting critical. “Man, that looks awful. Don’t they see it ruins the whole lawn?”

Then it hit me.

My lawn? Looked like a patchwork quilt. And here I was, judging theirs.

So, what keeps coming up about you? What’s that recurring comment or observation about you that you just keep... dodging?

Chances are, it’s been around for a while. And chances are, you’ve used a lot of energy trying to keep it at a distance. But here’s the rub: if it’s still lingering, it’s still affecting you—whether you like it or not.

Hey, we’re all flawed. Welcome to being human. But when a flaw keeps tripping you up, getting in the way of living more fully—that’s your cue. It’s time to stop dodging and start embracing.

It begins with a simple, honest acknowledgment. Yep—your poop stinks too.

And here’s the beautiful part: the moment you admit what you've been denying, something shifts. You clear space. It’s like spring cleaning for your self-image. Denial takes up a lot of mental real estate—and once it's out the door, so is the attitude and behavior that came with it.

Is it humbling to realize we’re not as spotless as we’d like to think?—Absolutely–but that’s real. And the reward? All that energy you were spending on denial? You now get to invest it in becoming the best version of yourself.

All the best,
 John