This past year has challenged us in so many ways. For most, our brains have been stuck in a state of ‘fight, flight, or freeze” for the better part of a year, leaving us feeling depleted and exhausted. When we feel this way, it can be difficult to focus on the positive.
Psychologist Tamar Chansky says that sometimes this pressure we put on ourselves to be positive can actually make us feel worse. Instead, she suggests trying “possible thinking”. Possible thinking reframes negative thoughts or statements to focus on the facts. In today’s Wellness Wednesday, we explore how this simple change can affect your whole outlook, shifting from negative self-talk to possible thinking.
Try this:
Try reframing negative thoughts or statements to focus on facts.
- As a class, family, or individually, think of a time when you made a statement that was negative or closed a door (i.e.., “I’m so disorganized” or “I never get to school on time” or “My grades are so bad in this class”, etc.).
- Now, think of a way to reword the statement so it allows you to think possible, or open the door to possibilities (i.e., “I can work on organizing my day better” or “I want to start getting to school on time” or “I would like to improve my grades in this class”, etc.).
When we focus on the facts and change our thoughts to think possible, it is sometimes easier to see that we have options. For example, maybe we can create a list of priorities each morning, or make a daily schedule, or identify one task each day that could be done more efficiently. By determining what is within our control, it can be easier to find solutions to make things feel more manageable.
Ask yourself, there is no wrong answer:
What are others learning from you about possibility?
Connecting to our faith:
The resurrection of Jesus reminds us that “…for God all things are possible”. (Matthew 19:26). Easter allows us to reflect on the amazing gifts of faith, hope, and what is possible. Nothing is too great for God to achieve and this is comforting and encouraging, particularly in times of difficulty.
Further learning:
Adult Book: “Freeing Your Child from Negative Thinking: Powerful, Practical Strategies to Build A Lifetime of Resilience, Flexibility, and Happiness” by Tamar Chansky
Children’s Book: “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds
Employees of LDCSB checkout WorkLifeHealth from EAP Provider Morneau Sheppell
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