IQ Tip: Ribbons and Bows

Written by Kim Allen Thursday, 12 January 2012 12:03

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There's a darling photo in my mother-in-law's apartment of two little girls in the typical fancy-dress attire of the day. I love that old sepia image yet each and every time I mention it I hear, "I wasn't happy because my sister got to wear a bigger bow."

Still, after more than 90 years, however subtle, she has the same emotional reaction. It limits perspective so that what she remembers most is the regret or the hurt or the disappointment. And, when she does it results in a cascade of physiological responses that is the stuff stress is made of.

What are you still hanging on to? What are you not seeing? What's been living rent free in your brain? We can't go back and change the past; but we can change how the past impacts us today. You can start by finding just one thing to appreciate. It works. Once you find one, your perspective will change making it easier to grow your list to 2, 3 or even 10 things to appreciate!

Remember to remember your list when the old feelings come up. After all, it was a pretty bow!

Take care,