Holiday season… everybody is away and in no rush to chat. I’ve
encountered more than a few obstacles with both the blogging project and
fundraising.
Upon reflection, disappointment at times is inevitable.
Whilst I know some of our rough sleepers, and can vouch for their characters, I
do understand that other businesses (especially in the town centre) are focused
on the disruption that they can cause. Hence the negativity when I have been
out and about talking to shopkeepers recently!
I felt very frustrated and low. This is the rock that has
been placed in my path…but if I can’t go through it, then will I go over it or
around it! I was chatting to Neal Emery about the exciting project that Jane
Johnson is working on with the Real Junk Food charity, and had a brainwave! I
won’t go into that now, as this will go off my point, which is, what do you do
when you encounter problems?
My solution was to use the Link4Growth network – just a
chat with Neil – and I felt lifted. I felt I could carry on, and if some people
are difficult, well, that isn’t a reason to stop. In fact, it is very much the
proof that I need to continue with this project and work hard to turn around
the negative opinions that society has of those who are without a home.
What I learnt from this is that nobody can ‘make’ you feel
anything. It is about the self-talk and the way in which you frame your
thoughts and experiences. Here are a few alternative positive responses
(gleaned anecdotally and from the net):
- When life gives you lemons…make lemonade.
- If you encounter a problem, shout ‘Plot Twist!’ and focus on the rest of your ‘story’!
- Don’t look back – you’re not going that way.
- The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.
Mine is the ‘rock’ metaphor, but there are countless
inspirational ways of changing your thinking. I must admit I bore of those
images on Facebook, but, internalising some of the positive messages can only
lead to better things.
Just don’t send me any with white swirly writing, a sunset
and a couple holding hands please!! 😊
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