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 within the tunnel.

Today I feel moved to share with you a quote from psychiatrist Dr. Bill Pettit. My husband first heard this quote a couple of years ago on Dr. Pettit's The Real Change live podcast series. My husband always 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 wellbeing. 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 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 naturally move up a few or several levels, and I feel brighter, lighter, happier, more hopeful and compassionate, and I see only what is possible. I move down levels, and up again, and so on and so forth. It is how we are designed to work.

I don't always see that is what is happening so an obvious tell-sign that I am well on my way down the rabbit hole of less-than helpful thinking are the deep and apparently loud sighs I make as my body naturally releases the tension created by my thinking. 

When my husband has been on the receiving end of these sighs for long enough to hear they are not becoming less but deeper he always asks "do you want me to read something to you that helps me?". I always respond "yes please" well aware of what exactly it is he will read. 

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

This is the quote heard on the Real Change podcast series from 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