Despite it being the month of May, today has been a day of ‘April showers’: warm sunshine, dark clouds, winds and then utter stillness.  Not unlike our thoughts I think!  

Currently there is a bit of a common denominator with a group of students that I am meeting with and it is in all likelihood a theme with so many of us.   It is about comparing with others and assuming that they themselves have not done enough or are not capable or clever enough.  And this is all in their thinking, in their imaginations – and this kind of thinking is debilitating, discouraging and very sapping.  

Can you imagine how liberating it would feel to have started today feeling accomplished as to what you have been doing thus far and hopeful about what lies ahead? For me, I would be energised, determined and fruitful!  

So, I am wanting this month of May to be a month of noticing, appreciating and moving onward and upward.  I want this to be a month of resetting our minds and relearning to think possibilities and potential.  Getting out of the quagmire of despairing internal chatter is completely possible.  

I wonder how you would answer the following?  These questions I often ask clients, encouraging them to dig deep and vocalise a few realities (that they have already accomplished things; that they do have great value to offer; that they are talented).

• What HAVE you accomplished thus far this year? (no matter how insignificant you think it sounds, just say it!);  

• What comes very easily for you?;  What fascinates you and absorbs you?;

• Tell me about the good things that you are noticing around you right now – what are you appreciating in this moment?

It is about finding evidence to counteract the negativity. 

How would today feel if you just knew and believed whole heartedly that your work is so necessary, so appreciated and so valued?  What if you just went through the day relishing that you really are completely unique, that the way that you interact, the way that you think and perceive what is going on around you, that your own insightfulness is what makes you you.  And is NEEDED.

• Manage your thoughts – master your mountains, one tiny step at a time;
• Move yourself and do something right now;
• Motivate with a “I can do this … I am so well able”;
• Just speak back to that fearful and tired voice – with humour!;  
• Set the timer – 11 minutes is a good place to start – and get to a very easy task at once;
• And, notice and compliment what you are doing and what you have done.

Just do this – you might not feel like it … but just do it!  Keep pressing on .. you have the strength for today to do this.  You really have!  

Reach out to somebody else who needs a friend.  And take courage and reach out yourself for support, guidance and perspective.  

If you need to speak to somebody, please do give me a call.