Critical Thinking: A Fun Mini-Retreat to Go Beyond Its Stifling Impact

Our minds like to think of the worst case scenario at times. It is one of those traits that can be useful when we are fighting for survival. However it can also be a trap that can keep us from trying new things, pursuing our dreams and sleeping soundly at night.

One of my clients was struggling to sleep due to several of these worst case scenarios that frequently kept her up at night. I suggested coming up with a few alternative scenarios. We brainstormed alternative scenarios together on the phone and some where so outrageous that we both laughed out loud. My client reported back a few days later that she has been sleeping soundly and that she had lots of fun creating alternative scenarios in her mind.

So, if worries keep you awake at night, try this fun Mini-Retreat to spice up your mind chatter with some outrageous what-if scenarios. Here are a few examples to get you started:

What if I loose my job?

* What if I get a promotion?
* What if I get recruited for my dream job?
* What if I decide to leave my job, sell the house and travel around the world?

What if my kids don’t find friends?

* What if my kids find lots of friends?
* What if my kids discover horsebackriding or music and want to do nothing else all summer?
* What if my kids start a small business and hire the neighbours’ kids?

What if my aging mother dies?

* What if she lives to be 115?
* What if she falls in love at the age of 85 with another charming senior?
* What if she passes on peacefully in her sleep one night without suffering having lived a fulfilling life?

Enjoy this Mini-Retreat!