Page 18 - Whispering Squirrels

When you tell yourself that it is not fair that it is raining and that you “just can’t stand it,” you will be very angry or sad and your behavior may match your emotions. But it does not have to be this way. You could tell yourself that you have no control over the rain and getting upset will not change things. You can tell yourself that there will be other opportunities for this trip and surely there is something enjoyable to do today even if it is raining.
If you tell yourself the second message, you will still be disappointed that you did not go on the planned trip but you will not be too upset and you won’t ruin the rest of the day for yourself and others. This may seem like common sense but stop for a moment and think about the last two days. Did you allow yourself to get angry or sad about something over which you had no control?
If you did, how did you act? Can you remember what you were thinking at the time? Was it Good or Stinky thinking? Unfortunately, you usually don’t stop to evaluate your thinking. If you stop and evaluate your thinking, then you can decide if your feelings and behaviors are appropriate. Most people will go with their first “impulse,” as the first two squirrels did in the story.
If someone calls you a name, do you immediately get angry and want to fight, like the first squirrel in the story? If you have a spelling or math test tomorrow and you are not prepared, do you look at TV or do something else to avoid something unpleasant (studying), like the second squirrel in the story?
15