Take ten minutes each day for yourself to reflect.

On reflection of last weeks time spent reflecting I have come to realise the importance of self awareness. Chris's task allowed me to question what I REALLY wanted to consider rather than following my usual natural descent into the five W's. If truth be told I imminently questioned what the experiments intention might be. This seemed like an obstructive measurement like when people in a psychological study may not behave in their normal way, aware that they are being analysed. Neither the less taking time to consider my current emotions encouraged me to look at both the negatives and the positives. I asked myself what happened that was strange or evoked bad feeling but also what was kind of cool or amazing about my day?

I took the opportunity to reflect whilst on the road, turning off my car radio on the journey home from work. Two things happened;

I relived moments from my day that held conflict or unexplained tensions. But instead of determining right from wrong, or providing myself with paranoid fuelled explanations I looked only at my own responses. Having once read an article in Psychologies magazine about what your reactions to certain situations say about you I am more focused on my own behaviour and less quick to be on a defence and harbour bad feelings. If you feel awkward, angry or defensive is it because you are being challenged or judged or is it simply a reflection of your own insecurities? Did that person really mean to hurt you by their comments or did your sensitivities twist their words to feed your own self victimisation? No matter what the answer, you cant control the actions or feelings of others but you can choose how you wish to respond - you can let it go!.

I also became incredibly aware about how many great moments can happen in one day and the amazing people I have in my life creating these. Many people write down one thing per day that they are really grateful for - a simple technique for improving happiness and gratitude levels. With a simple thought I was able to write down a mental list on the go. A colleague and great friend of mine is the energy hub in every room. No matter what is going on in her own life she provides a unwavering amount of support, generosity and laughter to anyone she meets. A conversation this week led us to realise how easy it is to focus on the negatives and beat ourselves up for any small failings. Although it's good to be realistic what purpose does harbouring such negatives have? None of course and our vow to lay praise to ourselves and others was born. By the end of the week I was feeling rather overwhelmed by my long list of positives. The opportunities I have right in front of me, the little lives of loved ones I am yet to meet and the unconditional love given from my family and friends (which is hugely under appreciated) all went on the list. I was forced to stop looking forward and look at what is right under my nose, if I blink I might miss them and In knowledge of this Im reminded of the age old saying to 'live for the moment'.

This experiment would benefit anyone, especially if your glass is usually half empty. This week I laughed so hard that my jaw hurt. It was a long, tough working week and not everything went to plan but I laughed and I laughed and on reflection that was simply enough.