Hope as a game changer

There is tremendous power in hope. It is a game changer in how we show up to and in the world. Hope is not the light at the end of the tunnel, but the light already shining brightly in you.

Today I feel moved to share a quote from psychiatrist Dr. Bill Pettit. My husband first heard this quote several years ago on Dr. Pettit's The Real Change live podcast series. My husband reads it to me when he knows I am on my way down the rabbit hole of less than helpful thinking, gently pointing me back to my well-of-being. My hope is you will read it, continue to read it, and share it with others.

So much of our thinking is on the Corona virus and the ramifications of its existence in this world - physical distancing, uncertainty about the future, our livelihood, the physical and mental wellbeing of  ourselves and loved ones, and at times whether we should be worried or not. It can feel like we are desperately trying to control or keep a rollercoaster ride in check.

Like all humans I experience times when my outlook feels dark and hopeless, and other times it feels bright and hopeful. It feels much like moving up and down different levels in an elevator. I spend time in the basement feeling all sorts of less-than feelings (less than hopeful, happy, calm, loving, patient...) and I see only what is not possible. I'm less kind to myself and less patience with others. As I move up a few or several levels I begin to feel brighter, lighter, happier, more hopeful and compassionate. I begin to see what was already possible. The movement up and down is outside my doing. It is how the system is designed to work. In every human being. That too is hopeful.

When my husband notices that I'm hanging out on a lower level he kindly ask me "do you want me to read something to you that helps me?". 

My hope is that you will hear something resonating within you in such a way that your mind clears and in turn hope arise to the surface brightening up your experience.

This is what my husband heard on the Real Change podcast series with psychiatrist Dr. Bill Pettit.

"Listen, this is not rocket science. Sometimes you're in your right mind, and sometimes you're not. And your right mind is your home, but you can think yourself away from it.

Now when you're there (away) and you want to get back home, it's really quite simple. 

Number one, when you're not there you're not very smart, so keep your mouth shut.

Number two, keep your hands to yourself. Don't throw anything, don't hit anything, or anybody.

Number three, leave your thinking alone until you feel better. Don't try do do anything with it, don't try to think positive, don't try to get rid of the feeling/thoughts, don't try to distract yourself. Just leave it the hell alone as best you can." ​Dr. Bill Pettit.

How lovely is that.

I highly recommend that you check out and scroll down on this page to watch and listen to Dr. Pettit and his wife psychologist Dr. Linda Pettit beautifully pointing us towards health and wellbeing.

With love.

Trine