We have thoughts of all kinds when we think about what occurs in our day. However, when we worry and have a bad day, we have HUGE thoughts that overtake our smaller thoughts. The HUGE thoughts can make it hard to concentrate on something or acknowledge the fact you've made a mistake, which will lead to lying and sadness. But, I know a way you can deal with each BIG thought mingling with little thoughts.
YOU WILL NEED:
- 5 carrots (one for five of your emotions)
- A bowl full of different coloured Tiddlywinks
- Three separate bowls
First, pick the carrot that represents worry. Holding said carrot, talk about all the big worries you're feeling right now. Then take out a dark blue Tiddlywink. The dark blue Tiddlywinks in the bowl represent worry, so make the decision to throw it away in one of the separate bowls. Put all the other dark blue Tiddlywinks into the bowl, then place the 'worry carrot' in with them.
Next, choose the Anger Carrot. Holding the carrot, talk about all those big feelings that make you very angry. Then have a look at the red Tiddlywinks. The red Tiddlywinks represent anger, so put each one into the second separate bowl. Place your anger carrot in with them. Finally, choose the sadness carrot and explain in full detail what's making you sad right now. Have a look inside the bowl again - this time, there are light blue Tiddlywinks. To you, light blue Tiddlywinks represent sadness and fear, so place the blue Tiddlywinks and the sadness carrot into the third and final separate bowl.
Now you've got three minds - one for worry, one for anger and one for sadness - and you know that these thoughts will not bother you ever again. This leaves two carrots left - one for happiness and one for calm. Now the large bowl of Tiddlywinks is filled with yellow and turquoise pieces, which too represent little thoughts of being calm and happy.
With a parent's help, cut the carrots with negative feelings into small slices and put them into their referred bowl - worry, anger or sadness. Leave the happiness and calm carrots out, and instead place the positive orange crunchy foods with the yellow and turquoise Tiddlywinks in the large bowl. That way, you have four different minds - three for anger, sadness and worry, and one for all the positive thoughts and feelings. Say out loud how the positive bowl makes you feel.
So there you have it - an exercise even Bugs Bunny would be proud of. Therapy sessions feature a lot in classic Looney Tunes cartoons, only for them to go wrong thanks to Bugs Bunny and his friends. But luckily, by sorting out your emotions, you're making your life alright again!
You're doing great, doc!