Catch Yourself in the Act

There are many things we do in our day-to-day lives that have a negative undertone. It’s surprisingly easy to “catch yourself in the act” and turn those negative undertones into positive overtones. I guarantee the result will have a surprisingly big impact on your life.

How often have you left something important at home? You’re leaving on a trip. You’re in your car several blocks from home. You’re going over your packing list in your mind when you realize you forgot something important like the gift for your host.

You’re usual response is one of disappointment and you think to yourself, “ I put it right there in plain sight so I wouldn’t forget! What’s wrong with me? “

Or your family is finally all seat belted in the car when one of your children shouts out “I forgot my Math notebook (or stuffed monkey or water bottle or…). Your usual response is to sigh and say something like, “We’re already late. You had so much time to get ready!”.

These usual responses reinforce a feeling of frustration, inadequacy, disappointment or other equally undesired feelings.

There is a way to turn this around. You have to catch yourself in the act as you are reacting.

At first, you might catch yourself after you’ve been disappointed. Words might have already escaped from your mouth. But at any point when you realize you are reacting in a way that feels negative you insert the words, “I’m so glad I/you remembered!”

“I’m so glad you remembered your stuffed monkey! I know how happy it makes you to play with it in the car!” Or, “I’m so glad I remembered that gift! I know how excited they will be to receive it!”

Try this! Instantly you will feel uplifted.

You will be amazed at how good forgetting can feel when you stop berating yourself for forgetting and begin praising yourself for remembering.

Believe me, this small change will make a big difference in your daily life. Why? Simply put, it feels good to feel good. And your loved ones enjoy feeling good with you!

When I told my 19-year-old son about this practice he thought I was a little crazy (it wasn’t the first time). But the other day, he returned on his bike soon after he left and he said “I’m back so soon because I remembered my bike lock”. He seemed happy. I was happy for him. All was well.

Catch yourself in the act. It’s a simple practice with a very big payoff. Why try it? Because, it feels good to feel good!

Is there something you’d like to change in your life by catching yourself in the act? Share it here in the comments!

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One Comment

  1. Heather Alexander
    Posted June 16, 2013 at 9:25 am | Permalink

    Dear Jovanna,

    I admire your openess of heart and willingness to learn. You teach me much by your example.

    Heather
    O

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