How Did I Get Here?

This week's Grasshopper Notes essay from John Morgan for the week of December 22nd addresses the folly of the question: "How did I get here?"

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

How Did I Get Here?

Over half my life I’ve worked in the people-helping business. And I’ve noticed something.

The biggest roadblock to getting where you want to go
 is this question: “How did I get here?”

It’s a trap.It keeps you focused on the reasons you’re here,
instead of on a plan to get out.

Ask any therapist—they’ll tell you.

Countless clients are hell-bent on retelling the story of their arrival,
 and spend precious little time thinking about a way forward.

Picture this.

You’re abandoned on a deserted island.

Now imagine spending all your time lamenting how you got there.

Really—how, in God’s name, does that help?

Whether you were shipwrecked,
 floated in on a raft,
 parachuted down,
 rode a camel…
 or took an Uber—

How is that focus getting you off that island?

Sidebar:
If your therapist keeps encouraging you to tell that story again and again,
you might want to find a new therapist.

Telling your story once or twice can be helpful.

It can offer clues on how not to end up there again.

But beyond that, it’s just a history lesson—
 one that keeps repeating itself.

When we obsess over how we arrived,
 the finger of blame usually points outward.

Rarely—if ever—does it turn back toward us.

And that’s a tell.

Because no one gets rescued that way.

You’ll just be moaning your tale of woe
 to the wind and a coconut tree,
 instead of making a plan to finally set yourself free.

So what’s the escape plan?

Accept where you are—without excuse.
 Notice I didn’t say resign yourself to staying there.

You need to know exactly where you are.
 That’s the starting point.

And once blame is out of the way,
 make time for reflection.

Quiet moments.

Stillness that leaves room for options.

That’s where creativity lives.

In that calm space, your focus shifts—
 away from how you arrived and who’s at fault,
 and toward a direction where you can play a whole new game.

Building a bridge from where you are
to where you want to go.
That’s your saving grace.

Because telling your story again
will only keep you in place.

All the best,
John