Monday Motivation

Something fun to start your week

You know how sometimes you just sit there stewing in your own thoughts? Maybe you’re worried about something. Or irritated. Or mad. Well, here’s my tip for the week: Instead of trying to change your state of mind, lean into it.

Here’s how.

I want you to picture your state of mind as a pool. Now, imagine you’re standing in that pool.

For example, if you’re worried about something, you would be standing in a pool of worry.

Next, picture little characters floating by, holding up your worrisome thoughts.

It’s sort of like last week’s idea of a parade, but this time, keep your thoughts focused on whatever state of mind you’re in. For example, if you’re in a pool of worry, come up with as many thoughts related to your worry as possible. Don’t start thinking, “What should I have for dinner?” Instead, think, “What are ALL the things about this current situation that are worrying me?”

After you do this for a while, you might find yourself thinking:

And you’re right! That pool of worry (or anger, etc.) DOES get tiring! After you’re in it for a while, you’re ready to get out.

The idea is that by really spending time focusing on your state of mind, you end up exhausting it. Whatever emotion you’re feeling eventually loses energy, and you start to realize, “Hey, there are a lot of other things I could be doing right now.”

I did this the other night. Claire is applying to college (ack!), and I woke up in the middle of the night with many a worry related to this. I pictured myself standing in a pool of worry, with a bunch of different worrisome thoughts floating by.

I started amusing myself by picturing the little characters. What would they look like? What thoughts would they be holding up? I came up with many things, and in a way, I felt like I was getting those thoughts out of my system. And then, after a while, I got bored with the whole thing and fell back asleep.

I don’t know if this will work for everyone, but it’s worth a try, right? Let me know what you think.

Have a great week ahead!

~Adrienne
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