Extracted….

Exercise: Find the good in bad

Target: Erasing self-doubt

The saying “Every cloud has a silver lining” is used so often, there’s got to be some truth in it.

For instance, if you’re stuck in traffic, enjoy the fact that you have time to listen to your favourite CD. If your other half can’t see you on Saturday night, be happy that you can use that time to catch up with your friends or stay at home and give yourself a facial.

The way you describe past experiences when talking about them with others can also say alot about you. Don’t let negative thoughts linger longer than the situation itself. If you’re always bringing bad experiences or past hurts into the picture, then that’s what people will remember about you. Instead, talk about what you took away from the experience and how it’s made you a better person.

Sometimes, we leave ourselves at the mercy of what other people think about us.

People seek self-esteem through pleasing others or by performing to gain approval or love. But what they need to do is work on loving and approving themselves first. Celebrate your own successes and remind yourself of all the times you’ve done well!

When confronting new challenges, remember that your initial reaction will not always be the right one; we often jump to conclusions without having the facts. Your other half may be tired from work and is in a bad mood, but you think he/she doesn’t like you right now or loves you less or that you’ve done something wrong. Before taking it personally, ask yourself whether there could be another explanation for their behaviour – often enough, there will be.

Exercise: Learn from your mistakes

Target: Life Experience Skills.

There is no failure, only feedback. Even if it’s a really negative situation you’ve found yourself in, with time you’ll be able to pick out things to learn from. Personal growth often stems from painful experiences.

You need to be able to learn from what’s happened, look at things in a different light so you can offer various solutions and why you’d do it that way. Then roll up your sleeves and get to work without complaining or self-pitying.

Exercise: Play the Karma Card

Target: Respect and Pride

If you put out positive thoughts and energy, the belief is that you’ll get it right back. It’s really as simple as treating others as you’d like to be treated – smile more, make friendly conversation and give compliments generously. It will not only make you feel good but chances are others will feed off your character as well. We get so caught up in things but all anyone really wants is to feel happy and connected – no one enjoys feeling anxious.

Learning how and when to praise yourself is also important. Be kind to others, acknowledge your success but don’t take it for granted, and always reward yourself too – don’t be afraid to praise yourself (just dont go overboard).

Noticing and acknowledging the changes you’ve made are great, and you should always celebrate the changes you’ve made along the way!

I read this off a magazine while having lunch with S today.

I hope this helps you and you and you and you and myself.

Life has many curve balls for us. Let us dodge them together and have fun along the way.

Dispel the bad energy, smile and override it with calmness.