The Simple Phrase that Leads to Stress-Free Living

How many times have you been told that it’s a waste of time to talk about what you could have, would have or should have done? Using these phrases keeps us focused on the past.

We use them to blame ourselves, to blame others or to blame circumstances.  These words keep us in a victim mentality and that’s never a good place to be.

However, I have found a great use for Could Have . . . but you have to add BEEN.

Here’s what I mean.

Last week I flew to see my dear friends Lisa and Meg in Brattleboro, Vermont.  It’s a two-flight trip.  On the first flight I spilled my soft drink and ice all over my orange jeans.  The woman next to me and the flight attendant were very concerned.  Then the magic words came to my mouth: The pants could have beenwhite!  They laughed and I kept going . . .

My computer could have been open.
This could have been a long flight
It could have been winter
I could have been going to a job interview

And so on.

We all started laughing and I realized the power of looking at whatever “bad” thing happens through the lens of it could have been worse.

Try it this week and tell me what could have been worse in your life.

Until next Tuesday.

Elizabeth