Hello!

This week I want to share an exercise I first learned 10 years ago when I started my certification in Positive Psychology and then encountered again during my recent training in Positive Intelligence. It's all about tapping into our inner wisdom by visualizing our future self.

First, think of a problem or stressor you're currently struggling with. For me, I'm going to choose my worries about my daughter going to a college far away next year. Will she be ready to be on her own? What if she needs our support, but we're so far away?

Second, connect with your older, wiser self. Get comfortable and close your eyes. Imagine you are near the end of your life. You are in good health and have a good mind. You have no regrets. Imagine that you've achieved all your dreams and goals. Your relationships have been fulfilling and deep. Your life has been full of meaning and happiness. You look back with wonderful satisfaction and contentment. Soak that in. Spend several minutes really noticing what that feels like.

Now imagine that your current self comes to your elder-self with this problem. Your wiser self listens and understands your struggles. And from their place of deep knowing, they give you their advice.

My elder self has told me that whatever experience my daughter has when she goes away to college, she will learn from it. In fact, any struggles she has may be more educational than her classes. She reminded me that there are no "failures," only opportunities to learn and grow. She pointed out that it's normal to want to protect my daughter from life's pain, but that will not help her. My elder self also reminded me that there are many ways to stay connected with video and texts. Just writing this paragraph brings tears to my eyes but also hope to my heart.

What advice did you hear? Feel free to send me a message and share. I hope you found this practice helpful.

Wishing you peace and happiness,

Tina

Tina Hallis, Ph.D.  Positivity Catalyst and founder of The Positive Edge, a company dedicated to helping people and organizations improve the quality of people’s work lives and the quality of company cultures.