Don't Board The Worry Train

Do you ever let worrying thoughts take you to a stressful unhappy place? I have understood my teacher Cindy Lee explain this is like boarding the ‘Express Worry Train’ to Devastation Station’. We can resist the urge to hop on board by recognising that these unhelpful and untrue worrying thought habits are causing us stress and unhappiness. Staying on the station, instead of boarding the worry train, gives us the freedom to watch the train pass and put a helpful new habit in place. 
 
Neuroplasticity, that understanding that the brain is plastic or changeable allows us to create new neural pathways or ‘thought grooves’ that are more helpful. With recognition we are able to stop recreating that unhelpful thought pattern groove over and over and instead create a more helpful one that will reduce our worry and make us more able to cope with life’s inevitable ups and downs. 
 
I would like to share the story of my year 11 Physics train wreck, or wonderful opportunity to learn some helpful new habits. I didn’t really like physics or my teacher and while it was tempting to blame the subject, the exam or the teacher I realized I was the one who unknowingly made it a stressful experience. I remember the lead up to the exam. Despite being a reasonably conscientious student who had put in a fair amount of study I decided I was going to fail the exam. I told myself that I hadn’t done enough work, I was too dumb to get it, I would freeze and be unable to answer any of the questions and on and on it went! My funny mind had me aboard the train and to Devastation Station. I was a nervous somewhat hysterical wreck. 
 
That experience and many more subsequent ones have reminded me to BREATHE and to

• Recognising those negative thoughts, 
• Accepting them and watching them pass without trying to push them away or feed them with more negative thoughts and 
• Investigate with curiosity by tuning into my wise self to be reminded to.........
  • not believe those untrue worrying thoughts
  • give myself the reassurance and encouragement I need – ‘you have done your best to prepare, you know some stuff so do your best to share it for those who want to know it (the examiner) and those who have supported you, parents, teachers, friends etc.  
  • Do what needs to be done – continue preparing calmly, get organised to get there to do the exam.  
  • Help someone else, especially someone else who may be worried

With love, appreciation and very best well wishes to us all 
Maree xx
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