YOUR LIFE IS YOUR STORY

The Rocky Path and Reframing

 When I arrived in Sedona, I was disappointed to see the droves of young people. As I  scribbled in my journal and hiked, I was able to reframe how I saw this experience. I came to appreciate the community and connection that could come of being in this incredible space with many other nature seekers. In the end I found this experience quite beautiful. Here is a simple way to work to reframe a difficult situation you might face.

 We have all faced a few challenges in the past few months. Make a little list of things that bother you. For me, it was the hoards of young people arriving in Sedona when I did. Here’s a simple way to work on reframing the way you look at something:

1.    Briefly write out what is bothering you. This can be a few words or if you want to explore this issue, write about it. What thoughts and feelings do you have?

2.    Then think about it. What are different ways of viewing this irritation or experience? (If you received a bad job review, are you going to see yourself as a loser? Or are you going to talk with someone you respect on how to change your performance? Or will you make positive changes in how you approach your work?)

3.    List or cluster all the different ways to cope or reframe this issue in your life. Take your time. How can you create a better story that feels like a fit for you?

4.    Then consciously make a choice on how you want to view or change your outlook/actions. Then write in detail about how you hope to approach or adjust to this irritation or problem. Explore this. Be open. Be honest. Know that you can.

Leave this writing and come back later and tweak your plan to be one that feels like it will make a positive difference in how you frame and hold this issue in your life.