 This idea of positive thinking is really interesting to me, especially as a therapist. As mentioned in some of my previous blogs,e.g. positivity, trying to assist a client who is automatically inclined to use their cognition negatively, is no easy feat, however, there is something that intrigues and interests me about their processes. Ok, let us assess your cognition/processes with am incident that occurred to me and probably copious amounts of you. On Tuesday I went to the local cashpoint at Tesco's, (other supermarkets are available) to withdraw some money. As I approached the screen, I noticed a message saying "transaction void, please press cancel". I carried out the screens request and was directed to a normal screen, however, at that moment I thought to myself, "maybe I shouldn't put my card in". So instead of listening to my inner voice, I ignored it and I put my card in the machine. As I followed the directions typed upon the screen, I got to the stage where I could hear my cash being counted....JOY!  I waited for my card to arrive, shortly after my cash would follow. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. ....Right, I'm sure it's not normal to wait for your card for 30 seconds. There you go...no card, no money. As my demeanour began to turn sour, I walked into Tesco's and spoke politely to the manager, who informed me there was nothing he could do and that I needed to contact my bank... Ok it's clear at this point.... I'm not a happy bunny... How do you think, you would be feeling at this stage? I retreat to the sanctuary of my home, poised, frustrated, victimised by a cashpoint machine and itching to call the bank, knowing full well what will happen next. My dear old card needs to be cancelled; a new one needs to be issued along with a pin number and of course, I will need to physically enter a bank to retrieve money...(Breathe)...oh the inconvenience of it all. How would you be feeling now? As I speak to the operative, Claire, on the phone, I begin to laugh and tell her that I'm old enough to remember the days when you actually had to go into the bank to get money... (ok, stop trying to figure out my age....and concentrate on the blog). At this juncture, I'm feeling a little less agitated and accept that for up to 7-10 days I'm going to be without a cash card and will definitely have to step foot into a bank to retrieve money. Yeah.... it's inconvenient, but worse things have happened at sea. At his stage I've accepted my lot and remind myself to listen to my instincts more often. How would you be feeling at this stage? The range of emotions I experienced were of, denial, frustration, anger, inconvenienced, thoughtful, accepting and positive. By employing some positive thought, I was able to turn a frustrating situation into one less so and all in the space of 30 minutes. Furthermore, my positive disposistion was further improved when a friend insisted I sample some of her rum collection. I thought it rude to refuse, thanks Geri! DOUBLE JOY!! As a therapist I have worked with numerous clients that would dwell on an incident similar to this for a long time. Procrastinating, negating, blaming, victimising, employing a cycle of destructive cognitions....the list is endless. The power of positive thinking is invaluable and can definitely assist in defusing certain situations. SW11 Counsellinghas assisted many clients towards looking and thinking about things more positively. For more information about the services offered by SW11 Counselling, or to read otherblogs, please visit the website at: www.sw11counselling.co.uk. Many thanks. Your comments are welcome. |
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