Page 121 - Creeative Thinking

Once again, much the same as worry, the way to erase the negativity caused by regret
is to replace it with its opposite. Something POSITIVE. The worksheets to follow this
chapter will assist you in making that transition. As well, they will aid you in
replacing any negativity with something positive.
BUT, before we do that let us first go over a few key points. Shall we?

 Regret creates negative energy.
 A lesson learned from an unpleasant experience, turns negative
energy into positive.
 You cannot change the past.
 You can influence the future.
 You can control this moment.
 This moment is all that matters.

So, instead of focusing on a past, which we cannot change, let’s try shifting the focus
to something that we can control. This moment. Right here. Right now.

Rather than become consumed with thoughts of “woulda, coulda, and shoulda” or
“what if…?” we shall change our way of thinking to the more constructive “When…
Then…” approach. This approach offers you a much more productive way of
approaching any regrets you may be struggling with.

The “When…Then…” Approach

To see just how easy this approach is to use, check out the Following examples. When
you start using the "When … Then" approach in your every day life, procrastination
will soon begin to disappear.

If you did not get your high-school diploma your regret may sound something like this:
* “I should have finished High School.”

With the “When… Then..” approach it may sound more like this:
* “WHEN my kids are in grade one, THEN I will get my high school diploma.”

If you regret not attending a close friend’s wedding, your regretful thought might be:
* “I would have gone to Lisa’s wedding if I did not have to work that day.”

Your thoughts when you apply the “When… Then…” approach, may sound more
like this:
* “WHEN Lisa gets back from her honeymoon, THEN I’ll have the newlyweds over
for drinks.”

121