Cognitive reframing is a concept used in therapy that can help us to change our perspective. When we have a problem, we tend to forget all the good things and little glimmers of hope that come with the situation, and even "sources of strength" - these can be people, things, support systems or even pets; anything that can help us when we are in difficult situations. In this very common case, reframing can be a method by which we can change our perspective for the better: instead of simply seeing the problem, we can reframe our way of thinking for the better so that we can start to appreciate the things that might be good, see the people who can help us and maybe even find the solution. It's a relatively simple concept and I can see myslef using it a lot.
But recently I have come up with my own concept of cognitive reframing. It's rather pessimistic, perhaps contrary to everything we learn at the Faculty, and I would never use it when working with users. But it works for me. So here goes: when I start to panic about something small - and this happens a lot - I put it into perspective. But not a "good" perspective. Forget all the problems I've overcome before, my friends and my family. For a moment, I won't care about my studies or the users. I'm just going to think about global politics. About the fact that "we're probably going to get bombed tomorrow", as I like to think. What if I fail the exam? Who cares if I have to turn down another guy who likes me, or if I don't have a place to stay at for my exchange yet? I'll die soon enough anyway. I never thought I'd live past the age of thirty-five anyway.
As the saying goes, which I haven't been able to get out of my head lately: "You're damned if you do, damned if you don't". So why complicate our lives by overthinking things we won't remember in a few weeks (if we're (un)lucky enough to still be alive)?
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