How do I keep up optimism and energy?  The answer to this is that I am not always inclined this way at all!. I think that you will have noticed there are moments when you feel optimistic and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead – and then that good feeling dives down into concern, uncertainty and fear.  When I do go down the rabbit hole  (and it is so easy to do so) I consciously choose to see possibilities, acknowledge the good things that are happening and remind myself too that it is my ‘thoughts’ that are spiralling downward and I can change what I am dwelling on. 

As this year begins and you start sending in applications for jobs, speaking to people about work placements or just making plans for the next stage ahead, remember to:

Breath to calm yourself.

Give thanks for all that is good (and there is much good around you) right now.  

Remind of yourself of what you have done and are doing.  Notice.

Know that you are being triggered by feelings, which are triggered by your thoughts.  Thoughts are just thoughts, though powerful.  Speak to yourself as you would to a friend – with compassion, encouragement and big heartedness.

Question the negative thoughts that you are having.  Is this true?  Really really true?

Do something constructive – even just tidying your work space can make a big difference.

Who can you speak to?   Call them now.  Reach out.  

What would it be like to have such faith in this day ahead.  To just know that you are here for a purpose and that you and your skills are needed and that you are so valued and loved?  What would it feel like to have faith in your future? What does it feel like to know that your current struggles are not in vain?  What wold it feel like to just have courage because you have faith that it does all work out for the good?  How would you be if your faith was so big that you could be so brave?  

May today be a wonderful day.