Dr LeCrone
05-31-2006, 12:15 PM
CHAPTER 1
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost.
I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out!
CHAPTER 2
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again!
I can't believe I am in the same place!
But it isn't by fault.
It still takes a long time to get out!
CHAPTER 3
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it there.
I still fall in!
It is a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately!
CHAPTER 4
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it!
CHAPTER 5
I WALK DOWN ANOTHER STREET!
This little story illustrates well how learning to see choices gives the individual a chance to adapt to a healthier lifestyle. I do not know the author but I do credit the author with a neat little learning tool.
Many individuals feel trapped in life. They develop a sense of helplessness and hopelessness which directs their perception of how they approach life and how life affects them. The individual who believes he or she has choices sees the world in a completely different manner. They have the perceptual flexibility to evaluate situations in a variety of ways. They consider a variety of solutions to their problem. They feel a sense of control arising from their view that they have a variety of options in most situations.
If you wish to broaden your perspective, especially if you are coming from a rigid, tunnel-vision view of the world, start with the desire and commitment to see more options. Next, take small, relative inconsequential situations and practice expanding your willingness to take risks and experience the various outcomes without the associated disastrous consequences. As the fear of negative outcomes decreases, you will see a variety of options.
This seemingly simple technique is often difficult to implement in individuals with a long history of hopeless, helpless feelings. It does not work well with some individuals, but may be worth a try if you need help in expanding your ability to see choices in life.
Copyright c 1993 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost.
I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out!
CHAPTER 2
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again!
I can't believe I am in the same place!
But it isn't by fault.
It still takes a long time to get out!
CHAPTER 3
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it there.
I still fall in!
It is a habit.
My eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately!
CHAPTER 4
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it!
CHAPTER 5
I WALK DOWN ANOTHER STREET!
This little story illustrates well how learning to see choices gives the individual a chance to adapt to a healthier lifestyle. I do not know the author but I do credit the author with a neat little learning tool.
Many individuals feel trapped in life. They develop a sense of helplessness and hopelessness which directs their perception of how they approach life and how life affects them. The individual who believes he or she has choices sees the world in a completely different manner. They have the perceptual flexibility to evaluate situations in a variety of ways. They consider a variety of solutions to their problem. They feel a sense of control arising from their view that they have a variety of options in most situations.
If you wish to broaden your perspective, especially if you are coming from a rigid, tunnel-vision view of the world, start with the desire and commitment to see more options. Next, take small, relative inconsequential situations and practice expanding your willingness to take risks and experience the various outcomes without the associated disastrous consequences. As the fear of negative outcomes decreases, you will see a variety of options.
This seemingly simple technique is often difficult to implement in individuals with a long history of hopeless, helpless feelings. It does not work well with some individuals, but may be worth a try if you need help in expanding your ability to see choices in life.
Copyright c 1993 Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D.