Michael (Mike) Couture — My THIRD BLOG
Blog #003_08–26–23
I recognize and admit that I have been stuck for the past ten plus years trying to overcome my sense of grievance caused by my three business partners and our company attorney expelling me from the business I had originally founded. I have spent these past ten years trying to find a way to overcome that grievance. About a year ago I decided that writing a book about my experience would be a positive step in doing that.
Since I had no experience in writing a book, I contracted with a self-publishing company and began my book writing journey. Working with my assigned writing coach, she suggested we start with a working title for my book. I had no idea what that title might be. After talking about the circumstances which led me to want to write this book, she suggested WHEN THE BOTTOM DROPS OUT — OVERCOMING THE DEVESTATING LOSS OF YOUR BUSINESS.
This title hit me squarely between the eyes and I started writing. I began my book by writing about my “crisis moment” and the few months following which did indeed result in devastating consequences for me and my family. It took several months to write the first 7 chapters which I designated as PART ONE — LOSS. I have since been working on PART TWO — OVERCOMING but have run into “WRITER’S BLOCK”.
I have written and re-written numerous chapters but I am stuck with what I really want to say and accomplish with PART TWO — OVERCOMNG. The reason is that I have not overcome. Just as I think I am making progress emotionally and mentally, I find myself slipping backwards because I don’t have the right answers.
Since I have more questions than answers, I have been seeking out those answers with whoever and wherever I can. Unfortunately, those answers up to now have eluded me. Today I decided to ask ChatGPT if it could help me. Following is the actual conversation between ChatGPT and me August 26, 2023.
ChatGPT:
Greetings! Nice to meet you in the digital realm. I’m here to lend you a virtual hand and tackle any questions and concerns you may have. My knowledge and capabilities are at your disposal, so don’t hesitate to ask me anything. How can I be of help to you today?
Me:
What is grievance?
ChatGPT:
Grievance refers to a formal complaint or dissatisfaction expressed by an individual or a group of individuals regarding a perceived injustice, unfair treatment, or violation of rights. It can be related to various aspects such as employment, education, healthcare, or any other area where individuals feel they have been wronged or treated unjustly. Grievances are typically addressed through established procedures or channels, such as filing a complaint with an organization, seeking legal recourse, or engaging in mediation or arbitration processes.
Me:
What emotions does grievance cause to the aggrieved person?
ChatGPT:
Grievance can evoke a range of emotions in the aggrieved person, depending on the nature and severity of the perceived injustice. Some common emotions associated with grievance include:
1. Anger: Feeling angry about the unfair treatment or violation of rights.
2. Frustration: Experiencing frustration due to the inability to resolve the issue or seek justice.
3. Sadness: Feeling sad or disheartened by the situation and its impact on one’s well-being.
4. Betrayal: Feeling betrayed by individuals or institutions that were expected to act in a fair and just manner.
5. Powerlessness: Feeling a sense of powerlessness or helplessness in the face of the grievance.
6. Resentment: Developing resentment towards those responsible for the perceived injustice.
7. Anxiety: Experiencing anxiety or stress due to the uncertainty and potential consequences of the grievance.
8. Injustice: Feeling a deep sense of injustice and unfairness.
9. Disappointment: Feeling disappointed by the failure of systems or individuals to address the grievance adequately.
10. Distrust: Developing a lack of trust in the individuals or institutions involved in the grievance.
It is important to note that the emotional response to grievance can vary from person to person, and individuals may experience a combination of these emotions or others not mentioned here.
Me:
How does a person overcome all these negative emotions and feelings?
ChatGPT:
Overcoming negative emotions and feelings associated with grievance can be a challenging process, but there are several strategies that can help individuals navigate and cope with these emotions:
1. Acknowledge and validate emotions: Recognize and accept the emotions you are experiencing as a natural response to the grievance. It is important to validate your feelings and give yourself permission to experience them.
2. Seek support: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or support groups who can provide a listening ear, empathy, and understanding. Sharing your feelings with others can help alleviate the emotional burden.
3. Practice self-care: Engage in activities that promote self-care and well-being. This can include exercise, meditation, journaling, spending time in nature, or pursuing hobbies and interests that bring joy and relaxation.
4. Educate yourself: Gain knowledge about your rights, the grievance process, and potential avenues for resolution. Understanding the situation better can help you feel more empowered and in control.
5. Seek professional help: If the negative emotions persist or become overwhelming, consider seeking professional help from therapists, counselors, or support services. They can provide guidance, coping strategies, and a safe space to process your emotions.
6. Take action: Channel your emotions into constructive action. This can involve filing a formal complaint, seeking legal advice, or engaging in advocacy efforts to address the grievance and work towards a resolution.
7. Practice self-compassion: Be kind and compassionate towards yourself throughout the process. Understand that healing takes time, and it is okay to have ups and downs. Treat yourself with patience, understanding, and self-compassion.
Remember, overcoming negative emotions and feelings associated with grievance is a personal journey, and it may take time. It is important to be gentle with yourself and seek the support you need along the way.
Me:
Do you think one way to possibly overcome all of this could be to write a book about your personal experience?
ChatGPT:
Writing a book about your personal experience can indeed be a powerful way to overcome negative emotions and feelings associated with grievance. Here are some potential benefits of writing a book:
1. Emotional catharsis: Writing allows you to express and process your emotions in a structured and creative manner. It can provide a sense of release and catharsis, allowing you to explore and make sense of your experiences.
2. Empowerment and advocacy: Sharing your personal story through a book can be empowering, as it gives you a platform to raise awareness about the issue and advocate for change. It can help you reclaim your voice and contribute to a larger conversation.
3. Validation and connection: Writing a book can help you validate your experiences and connect with others who may have gone through similar situations. It can create a sense of community and support, both for yourself and for readers who resonate with your story.
4. Personal growth and reflection: Writing a book requires introspection and self-reflection. It can help you gain insights into your own journey, learn from your experiences, and foster personal growth.
5. Education and impact: By sharing your story, you can educate others about the issue at hand, raise awareness, and potentially inspire change. Your book may serve as a resource for individuals who are navigating similar challenges or seeking understanding.
However, it is important to note that writing a book about personal experiences can also be emotionally challenging and may require support and guidance. It is advisable to seek professional assistance, such as a writing coach or therapist, to help navigate the process and ensure your well-being throughout the journey.
Me:
How do I find professional assistance?
ChatGPT:
Finding professional assistance can be done through various avenues. Here are some steps you can take to find the right support:
1. Research online: Use search engines or online directories to find professionals in the specific field you need assistance with. For example, if you are looking for a therapist, search for therapists in your area or specialized in the relevant area of expertise.
2. Seek recommendations: Ask trusted friends, family members, or colleagues if they have any recommendations for professionals they have worked with or know of. Personal recommendations can provide valuable insights and help you find someone who is reputable and trustworthy.
3. Contact professional organizations: Many professions have governing bodies or associations that maintain directories of qualified professionals. Reach out to these organizations to inquire about professionals in your area or specific field of interest.
4. Utilize online platforms: There are various online platforms that connect individuals with professionals, such as therapists, counselors, coaches, or mentors. Examples include Psychology Today, BetterHelp, or Life Coach Directory. These platforms often provide information about the professionals’ qualifications, specialties, and client reviews.
5. Consult your primary care physician: If you are seeking assistance related to mental health, your primary care physician can provide recommendations or referrals to mental health professionals in your area.
6. Check with your insurance provider: If you have health insurance, contact your insurance provider to inquire about professionals covered by your plan. They can provide you with a list of in-network professionals or guide you on how to find covered services.
Once you have identified potential professionals, it is advisable to schedule an initial consultation or interview to discuss your needs, ask questions, and assess if they are the right fit for you. Remember, finding the right professional assistance is a personal process, and it may take some time to find someone who aligns with your needs and preferences.
Me:
Thank you for your help. I believe continuing this chat with you will not be possible. How can I engage with you again to follow up on our chat?
ChatGPT
You’re welcome! I’m glad I could assist you. If you want to continue the conversation or follow up on our chat in the future, you can simply return to this platform and start a new chat session. The chat history may not be saved, but you can always refer back to our previous conversation for reference. I’m here 24/7, so feel free to reach out whenever you need assistance. Take care!
Me - To my Blog readers:
Thank you for reading my blog and I look forward to hearing from you.
Mike Couture
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