How a pencil can change your life - 5 quick tips.

In this post I give you 5 ways that a pencil can help change your life. It's the simple things in life that can make the biggest impact.

"The pencil is mightier than the sword" Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton

Most of us have grown up with pencils our entire life. Many of us take them for granted and do not realise the power they can give the holder.

The pencil has been used to communicate, to draw, to show directions, for some to hold back their hair and for others used as a wizard's sword. But no - that's not the five I was thinking of...

"Do you ever wish you could just have some quick fixes for changing your mood and helping you get through?"

Great then you're in the right place. Quick, simple and to the point - no fluff (or navel-gazing!)

#1 USE IT TO SMILE
That's right. When you're feeling low, angry or struggling to find a smile, just place a pencil between your teeth, push it to the corners of your mouth. You will notice it makes you smile - now don't laugh. This is serious stuff!

The technique may sound a little silly but it works. Why? Because whilst the brain is a complex piece of equipment it's actually really, really quite daft too. According to Richard Wiseman, amazing author of '59 Seconds' the brain will believe you're smiling which in turn will change your mood - clever huh?

#2 RANK YOUR MOOD
Yep, you got it. For 30 days (more if you need) rank your mood. Nothign fancy, just keep a daily record of the good mood you wish to have. For some their good mood is happy for others its content or even focussed.

Your 'good' mood is up to you. It's what you want more of in your daily life. By keeping a record you can start to see (objectively) how often your mood slips. And don't stop at just one mood, list a few. It's like your own private performance chart.

#3 WRITE A LETTER FROM YOUR OLDER SELF
Sounds a little bit creepy right? I know - but this technique can be really powerful.

If you're stuck in a rut right now, or struggling with keeping positive as everyone keeps telling you then jump forward in time. Imagine you had set yourself free from all the pain, upset or negative emotion you maybe feeling today. Decide when that will be and what age you are. Take a deep breath in and just feel how differently you feel.

Once you can feel that future you - take a pencil and write to your current self. Take care to write some words of wisdom, help and support, allow your future self to feel stronger through the future you as you share words of compassion.

This is a very profound thing to do - many answers to change your life are hidden within you, give it a go and let it all flow out.

#4 WRITE YOUR PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
This doesn't need to take up pages and pages, and you don't have to be in business to write one. It's just something brief that feels like you - it should define what you're about.

Writing a mission statement will help you see how focused you are currently and how far you are from being who you want to be. Keep it simple and make sure the words you use are yours, not someone else's.

#5 USE IT TO (RE)CONNECT
Put down the phone. Switch off the social media. Turn the TV off. Who have you lost contact with and miss? Who have you not spoken to and wish you could? Who are you avoiding out of fear of rejection or anger or some other negative feeling you have inside?

There are always people we have let drift apart or walked away from - for so many reasons. Instead of being right or wrong; be brave. Write them a note - even if you never send it, write it anyway and notice how you feel when you do.

“I never said change would be easy, but I am certain it's worth it - be brave today, win your life back" DJ

Feeling Inspired?

If today's post has inspired you or given you just one little tip worth sharing then please do share with others. Also, share your tips back with us by writing in the forum or in the steemit comments below. Mental health and life change needs your help; it needs all of us to share what we know - it can make all the difference.

Tell us (and others) your story, if you've tried any of the above and they worked well for you.

[link to Dr Zoe Website] (https://www.drzoedouglasjudson.com/blog/how-a-pencil-can-change-your-life)

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