Rethinking life's downs and ups

Life has its ups and downs? I recently realized all these years we've been saying it backwards.

Life has its downs and ups.

Very often I imagine my clients think I'm more nagging high school English teacher than therapist. But our words are significant. The impact of what we tell ourselves cannot be overstated. If you don't believe me, consider these 2 statements.

I lost 60 pounds, but I should have lost more.

I should have lost more, but I lost 60 pounds.

The first statement is ups and downs. You end on a sour note. You are minimizing what is a significant accomplishment. It's demoralizing and leaves you in the ditch.

The second statement is downs and ups. Maybe you could have done more, but you still did something worth celebrating. You climbed the mountain. Next time you will climb a higher mountain, but for now enjoy the view.

Your words are powerful. With all due respect to gravity and compound interest, I believe the most powerful force in the universe is what you tell yourself. You can drag yourself into the ditch or you can climb the mountain.

Rethink your life.

Rethink your options.

Rethink life's downs and ups.




Do you need help rethinking a situation in your life? Email me at bradleyjabel@gmail.com

For information on anger management and individual counseling, contact me at bradleyjabel@gmail.com

If you are a mental health professional and want creative consultation for your professional literature or Psychology Today profile, contact me at bradleyjabel@gmail.com