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Mark my words, there are many powerful ways to transform our lives… and here is the first.

Have you ever tried to stay cross in the middle of an argument when someone makes you laugh – perhaps by pulling a face?  In truth, it’s really annoying when you’re angry and someone interrupts that feeling by making you smile or giggle… but once you grin, they win!

And so do you.

The spell is broken.

The cycle is too.

Psychologists call this a ‘pattern interrupt’ and it’s a brilliant way to get yourself out of a pickle if you feel your emotions are heading in a direction you want to change. Your emotions are designed to serve you, not the other way around, and if you feel you’re losing control, call for an intermission. 

This is surprisingly easy to do.

Why?  Because your brain believes your body. As soon as you change your physical position, your mental posture automatically follows. I noticed a lovely Mum last night running to catch up with her two young children, and this reminded me of one of my grandchildren who runs everywhere! There’s an energy and enthusiasm to his life that is very engaging. Lambs do it too. And calves. And puppies. And kids… baby goats!

Then something happens as we mature. We begin to slow down. Boring.

Action plan: when you feel stuck or out of control, do something different with your posture and pace.  Dare you!  Here’s what happened to me next…

 Making sure no one was looking, I decided to run back to the house - just like a kid. My capacity was poor – about 5 yards, but it was all I needed – I was grinning - out of breath but grinning. And when you’re grinning, you’re winning.

Lex

A Moodscope member