Inner Freedom Feels Good

by Scott Noelle

Remember how you felt on the last day of school before the summer break? Even if you liked school, you derived pleasure from the sudden expansion of personal freedom, didn’t you?

Inner freedom feels like that, too. And you don’t have to wait until summer; it’s only a thought away!

Improve Your Groove

Today, try playing this game: Every time your child says or does anything, (1) notice your first thought about it, (2) think of some alternative thoughts, and (3) feel your freedom to choose.

For example, your child dumps a big box of toys and your first thought is, “Ugh! Another mess for me to clean up!” What other thoughts are possible?

  • I love my child’s enthusiasm!
  • I HATE those damn toys!
  • I wonder what s/he’s looking for.

Now notice that having a choice feels better than having no choice. The point of the game is not to choose (yet), but to enjoy knowing you are FREE to choose what you think about any situation.

Doesn’t freedom feel good? :)

Originally published on 2006-06-13
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