The Art of Reframing
After dashing out that tongue in cheek Spring Cleaning post yesterday, I realised its high time I had an attitude adjustment about this house cleaning gig.
It occurred to me that below the surface of my jesting, there lurked some resentment (ever a true word said in jest) - and sadly, its my incredibly wonderful, helpful husband who lands up bearing the brunt of my frustration.
This results in petty arguments about who does what & whose job is more important - so typical of married life, but truly not necessary or fair, especially in this instance.
So its time to reframe it. I think if I recall correctly, reframing is an NLP tool. Simply put, it's a way of taking something you currently view as negative and drawing out the positives, until you no longer view it as a negative experience.
A classic example of reframing: Dolly Parton's gorgeous quote:
Another example is the Be Thankful poem... I've seen a number of variations of it over the years - am sure you have too.
Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.
Author Unknown
I have sooo much to be grateful for, I have a WONDERFUL life!
So... I'm reframing it for myself right now.
I am thankful for the housework I do every day because it means that I am home with my gorgeous boy instead of having to be out working 9 to 5 (Which just happens to be another Dolly Parton song!).
I am thankful to be packing the dishwasher because it means we just ate yet another delicious meal cooked by my wonderful husband.
I am thankful to be unpacking the dishwasher which magically cleaned away all the grime. I didn't have to walk miles to fetch cold water like half of Africa & use elbow grease to scrub the pots and pans.
I am thankful to be hanging out the washing because it means we have lovely clothes to wear which, again, were magically washed in an automatic washing machine. I didn't have to scrub... ooh, that reminds me of another Dolly Parton song!! Washday Blues!
Just rubbin' and a scrubbin' and a raisin' 'em out
I gotta hang 'em out early I hope the sun comes out
Oh - sorry... have to cut myself short.... can't wait to pop on some Dolly Parton and get to work!
Recent Comments
28
Beautiful "Thankful" poem. I had never seen that. You have MUCH to be thankful for. My ex didn't hold a candle to your hubby!!!! Maybe that's why he's an ex??? LOL.
Beautiful poem! Thanks so much!! I've never seen that one before - I shall refer to it often!
Anna
Thanks for posting that Poem, which I have not seen before. Have copied it and am sure will read it often:-}
I am thankful that I am still here, because when I would be in heaven the only thing I would know about is love, and after experiencing only love for eternal days, I would be so glad to line-up for returning to this emotional rollercoaster called "Earth" (◠‿◠✿)
I heard your neighbors were 2 doors down laughin' and drinkin' and havin' a party ... in case you want to visit after your housework
I had a feeling you would be working away with Dolly on in the background lol. Seriously though, you are very right in saying we should all find the positives hidden away (sometimes) within the negatives. Thanks Lauren, and when your hubby has cooked your dinner, send him over to me! Mine can put fries in the oven and not a lot else lol!
Ha ha Jude. You get me! So sorry, we are just too many miles away for my hubby to cook for you on a regular basis... but then I know you're a wonderful cook. Would hate to deprive you of that creative outlet!
I love Dolly Parton songs as well, I was raised on them. I love your post, it is a great pleasure to be thankful for the many blessings that so many people overlook. Thanks for the reminder!
Rae Anne
Thanks Rae Anne. Glad to hear you related to my post. So we are both humming Dolly Parton tunes in our head right now?
Nearly everyday! LOL Her life story was on Lifetime not too long ago, I found out about it after the fact so I did not get to see it. Did you?
If you mean her movie based on her song Coat of Many Colours I watched it last week. Gorgeous.
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It's is good to think the positive side of everything we do. Without that negativity thoughts, success is near. Regards Sadie
Thanks Sadie! Agree!