We are talking all month long about nurturing the upstairs brain.
This week, we have been focusing on our thought life. It’s a funny thing to talk about nurturing the brain by using our brain differently, but since all our thoughts, feelings, and behavior comes from the brain, we need to think about our thoughts. Picture books can be surprisingly helpful in that effort…
“You look a little worried, kiddo,” Zoey’s mom said, giving her a squeeze. “Sometimes I need a bright thought to help me when I’m feeling upset. Here, try this!” She slid a bookmark into Zoey’s hand. Zoey looked down and read: Imagine with Hope.
“What’s this?” asked Zoey.
“When we don’t know what to expect, worry wants us to imagine with fear, to think about all the worst possibilities. This is a little reminder I use to think of the good things that might happen, to imagine with hope.”
This little passage made it into What’s Inside Your Backpack? because it really works!!
Shortly after hearing the phrase a few years ago, I was talking with my spouse about something, and he reacted in a way that hurt my feelings. It was a topic that is heavy for me.
It was one of the “books” in my invisible backpack.
It’s hard to stay in that patient, problem-solving Upstairs Brain when that’s the case. I immediately felt myself shutting down, a full porcupine or turtle moment coming on! Actually, it felt more like the kind of downstairs brain “moment” that would ruin the rest of my day.
With my last little shred of upstairs brain power, I consciously imagined with hope.
“My hubby really loves me, and we make a good team,” I reminded myself. I imagined us coming to a conclusion that would work despite the heaviness of the “book,” his initial reaction, and all the feelings around it.
Sound cheesy? Maybe, but it changed my day.
And guess what?! That hopeful outcome was the actual final result.
“When we don’t know what to expect, worry wants us to imagine with fear, to think about all the worst possibilities.”
If you or the children you love have had some difficult life experiences, your brains might get extra protective! It’s normal.
It’s your Downstairs Brain trying to keep you safe.
We might have to remind our Downstairs Brains that we’re okay.
Think of a stressful situation or something uncertain that you are managing.
Seriously. Don’t keep reading until you have it in your mind.
Now repeat after me:
I’m safe now, brain.
Thanks for trying to protect me, but now I’m going to Imagine with Hope.
Breathe in calm.
Breathe out fear.
Remind yourself: I can do hard things.
Imagine: One possible positive outcome.
Find more brain-boosting strategies (for yourself or any upper elementary aged kids in your life) here in our shop. This resource bundle helps you dig into the resilience-building strategies in the book with ideas for lesson plans and activities.
Thanks for joining the movement to make the world a better place…one upstairs brain moment at a time! Follow along on Instagram.
Holding hope with you,
Jess
