What can I do to help myself?
There are a number of techniques Jo uses in her everyday life to help herself through challenging times.
It is possible to retrain your brain from naturally negative to naturally positive by putting in a little work at the beginning and regularly revisiting the techniques outlined below.
"What If" v's "What If Not"
It's all too tempting to allow those niggling doubts affect your confidence. It starts with a "what if..." and can quickly turn to an "I can't..."! One of the most useful coaching sessions Jo ever attended helped her change her mindset.
Now instead of thinking "what if..." Jo quickly turns it round to thinking "what if it doesn't..."
For example, you could start to worry about an impending long car journey and think "what if I hit traffic...", but now try thinking "what if I don't hit any traffic". You should still plan for traffic and may take a coat, snacks and a drink with you for a really long journey, and set off in plenty of time so that you are not rushing, but by changing your mindset you are no longer worrying about what might happen, but look forward to getting to the destination in plenty of time in the hope it doesn't happen.
The Glad Game
Jo remembers watching Pollyanna (1960) as a child and one thing that has stuck in her mind ever since is The Glad Game.
Pollyanna mistakenly received a pair of crutches rather than a doll which she had asked for, and her Reverend father made up The Glad Game so they would be able to feel the gratitude regardless. They were glad that they didn't have to use them!
If you have time, please watch the whole film as there are plenty of examples within it, however if not the link below will take you to a short clip where you can see her explaining to and playing The Glad Game with some of the serving staff.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ihxyf7A1hg
Positive Affirmations
Starting the day with a positive affirmation can set your whole mood for the day.
Every morning Jo starts the day by thinking something positive when she wakes. It could be that the sun is shining rather than it raining, or that a tough day ahead, once completed, is one day closer to the weekend!
Being Thankful
Jo is thankful for every aspect of her life, both good and bad.
She gives thanks to the "Greater Good" (the Universe, or God, or Mother Nature, or whoever is most appropriate at the time), when something good happens. She feels that by being grateful and expressing that gratitude the "Greater Good" will bestow more good things upon her.
Jo is also thankful when things don't quite go to plan. She is a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, be it an act of Karma, or because the "Greater Good" has something lined up in future and this is the path that is needing to be followed to get to that destination. As tough as it can feel at the time, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, we may just need to get around the corner to see it!