‘Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference’
Buddhist Mantra
In these difficult times clients are sharing with me their concerns regarding not only their health but also their worries regarding the effect that isolation is having on their relationships, their family and their finances.
It is important to prioritise our emotional well- being and remain strong and positive.
Here are 5 points for you to consider and apply to your everyday life:
• Uncertainty – The more accepting you become of uncertainty, the happier you will be. Reframe uncertainty as an opportunity for learning and growth.
• The Parade – See your thoughts like trains coming into a station. Decide which train to get on and which one to avoid.
• Internal voice – Be your own best friend. Never speak to yourself in a harsh or despairing tone.
• Absolute Language – If you find yourself using words or phrases like ‘completely, totally, absolutely, it’s all a disaster’ you know that you are not seeing the true picture. Challenge your assumptions.
• Mindfulness – Take 5 minutes to eat a single raisin. Savour and notice the changing taste and texture, the lingering flavour. Apply this to every moment of your life in order to make your brain more receptive to pleasure.
I’d like to leave you with the thoughts gathered from a selection of people in their 80’s and 90’s. The thoughts of people nearing the end of their lives which I would like you to reflect upon.
‘If I had my life over I’d like to make more mistakes next time.’
‘I’d relax, I’d take fewer things seriously.’
‘I would take more chances, I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.’
‘I would try to live life for the moment so that life would be, just a series of fabulous moments one after the other.’
‘I would travel lighter, ride more merry go rounds and pick more daisies.’
Judi Butler
Clinical Hypnotherapist
BA DipHyp
+44 7810 274976
therapy@judibutler.com
