What do you say to yourself in times of trouble? When we are able to help ourselves in a difficult situation by the use of strengthening self talk, we are better able to transform the stress into something useful and we can become more adaptable.

Several years ago I taught a stress reduction class and prior to the first class the participants would fill out a questionnaire. One of the questions was around the idea of our thoughts and sayings when we are in a challenging or stressful situation. One answer from a participant that really inspired me was the phrase, “This too shall pass.”  This participant said that repeating that phrase was her way of getting through her troubles.

This kind of thinking is also helpful to be more positive, and to build resilience.

Who does not need resilience in the chaotic time of midlife? Midlife can be a time of intense change and even loss. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to take the challenges and be able to bounce back from them?

Do you know anyone who may have lost his or her job, only to make the best of it? Did they look at the opportunities it afforded them, no matter how small? 

Another saying I have is that, “I can handle this,” or “I have choices here.” I may not see the choices, but I am directing myself into another mindset and possible choices by attracting the opposite of what is going wrong!

Listen to what you say to yourself, either aloud or silently. Is what you are saying helping you or hindering you?

This entry was posted by Lorraine Calhoun on January 28th, 2008 under Mid-Life with keywords .

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