How to Reframe Your Thoughts?

Dramatic stories explode from our laptops, newspapers, and television screens everyday.

As this often-sensationalized onslaught is among us to stay, it’s easy to grow accustomed to viewing life through fearful and/or critical eyes. Left unchecked, seeing the worst in people, places and things can lead to defensiveness, isolation, and depression.

Fortunately, there has been a temporary ceasefire to this assault in at least one communication-generating corner of our universe. Prompted by peer pressure and involving a bucket of very cold water, tens-of-thousands are volunteering for momentary discomfort to raise ALS awareness.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is no laughing matter. This progressive and deadly neuro-degenerative disease affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. However, Internet ablaze, people are taking this horrible condition and turning it on its head.

Isn’t it refreshing to see how alive people become when dumping ice over themselves for a worthy cause?

Yes, while the Ice Bucket Challenge is a comical action linked to a very scary (and hopefully temporary) affliction, it is also a viral demonstration of what therapists term Reframing: taking a negative circumstance and addressing the issue with a decidedly productive spin with a dedicated eye toward solution.

The Mental Ice Bucket Challenge

So in the tradition of reframing, I challenge you, today – right now – to shift your perceptions. I nominate you to consciously pick up & put on a decidedly positive perspective about any issue troubling you – even if it is uncomfortable to do so.

Consider yourself psychologically watered: Douse negativity by re-viewing what is happening: Locate and then extract the lesson that is always available because of what is occurring, then take what you’ve learned and use it to make your life and the world a better place.

It is not the events in life but how we perceive these events that truly determines our happiness. You never know how viral a simple act of kindness can become.

In fact, forward this article to anyone who may benefit from these words (the link is below).
We must water a flower for it to blossom – Let’s keep positivity spinning!

I just poured ice-water on my head…what are you going to do?