Written by Paol, Trainer and Volunteer
How we decide to catch or dodge those curveballs can make all the difference. I recently attended an excellent Positive Thinking course run by the Recovery and Wellbeing Academy. These courses are free to residents of Coventry and Warwickshire, and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
The course on Positive Thinking came along just as I was consumed by some negative self-talk, which in recent weeks had been taking more and more space up in my brain box. People often say things like chin up, others have it worse than you, and don’t be so down. They all say it encouragingly, but I would have done it if it were that simple. The phrase “positive thinking” makes me think about artificial cheerfulness and unattainable upbeat perspectives. However, our facilitator, Claire, helped us to explore the in-depth aspects of challenging the way we think and gave us practical help to reframe those negative thoughts.
One area that stood out to me was the concept of toxic positivity. Claire helped us distinguish between genuine optimism and the harmful suppression of negative emotions. We learned that true positive thinking isn’t about denying complicated feelings but acknowledging them without letting them consume us. It’s about creating space for all emotions while consciously focusing on potential solutions and positive aspects. This distinction validated my own experiences of feeling pressured to always “look on the bright side,” even when facing tough thoughts and feelings.
We also explored our power to reframe our thoughts. We were introduced to practical techniques for identifying negative thought patterns and consciously challenging and restructuring them into more balanced and realistic perspectives. Instead of automatically assuming the worst, we learned to ask ourselves alternative questions and consider different interpretations rather than instantly reacting emotionally.
The Positive Thinking course provided by the Recovery and Wellbeing Academy was more than just a lecture; it was an interactive and supportive learning environment. Our facilitator, Claire, created a safe space for sharing and exploration, and the practical exercises provided tangible tools that I can practise in my life.
If you’re in Coventry and Warwickshire and looking to enhance your mental wellbeing, I recommend exploring the over 80 courses at www.recoveryandwellbeing.co.uk.