How? Positive Psychology, a research based branch of psychology, has developed many tools which help people to increase their happiness level, learn how to live more mindfully, and increase their resiliency. By becoming younger I am referring to the process of “undoing” by letting go of ways of being that are not, truly who we are and that no longer serve us. As a Life Coach in Positive Psychology I help people get in touch with their true inner selves, the joyful and spontaneous self that we most likely remember feeling as a child. Have you ever noticed the look of wonder and amazement on children’s faces? Sadly this natural, joyous way of being often diminishes as we grow up, by receiving, often well intended messages from parents, teachers and society at large that we “should” be a certain way, or “should” believe something or “act” in a way that does not stem from our true nature. As human beings our brains are wired for survival, the fight or flight instinct is designed to keep us safe, and one way we unconsciously do this is by conforming, so as to fit in and follow the herd. Positive Psychology has many proven methods which enable us to let go of behaviors, ways of thinking and self-images that block who we truly are, and our capacity to feel our full potential and greatest degree of happiness and contentment. That is not to say we become happy all of the time, that is not realistic. But to realize our full potential, to cultivate equanimity, and to feel our best, our most alive.
As we shed unnecessary layers, we then create the space to blossom into our truest self and learn ways to nourish and cherish our inborn, authentic self. Often we realize that there are dominant stories we believe about ourselves, and create self-images based on these stories, which are often simply untrue, yet we have come to identify with them and they feel familiar. When we become conscious of stories or images of ourselves that are not who we are and let go of them, we then become the author of our own lives thereby becoming fully authentic. The definition of authentic is: not false or copied; genuine; real, as in a genuine antique. An authentic person is just the same, and you feel it when in their presence.Through much study and experience in Positive Psychology I have experienced this process myself, and it is empowering! I believe self-growth is a life long process and I look forward to continually growing more fully into my truest self. Brenee Brown, psychologist, professor, social researcher and writer explains: ” Authenticity is a collection of choices that we make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let your true inner self be seen.” For me it is a freeing process to let go of who I am not and live in a way that is aligned with my deepest self and act in alignment with my truest values. So to become younger for me is becoming increasingly reacquainted with my free spirited inner child, as she re-emerges more frequently and knows she is valued, and is not going anywhere, and actually never did, she was just damped down.Perhaps having recently celebrated my birthday has spotlighted this child like joy in me and it feels wonderful. One of my birthday cards from a close friend had a quote on the cover by Pablo Picasso which said “It Takes A Long time To Become Young“. How fitting! Pablo Picasso and I share the same birthday and clearly the same viewpoint. I will end with a verse from one of my favorite songwriter’s and musician’s, John Lennon, as he recounts a story:” When I was 5 years old, my Mum always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down “happy”. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment and I told them they didn’t understand life.”
