After visiting the Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica, we decided to spend a relaxing afternoon at Poza Los Coyotes, a spot popular with families for its striking blue pools along the Rio Blanco. There’s also a narrow canyon where you can swim, a place with a special atmosphere.
As we started making our way into the canyon, my son Mayol (nearly 19, very sporty, and excellent swimmer) suddenly freaked out: “What the hell are we doing here? We’re swimming in the middle of nowhere, in a foreign country known for its crocodile population. You’re crazy! I don’t feel good here! I want to go back!”
He was genuinely panicking, and no rational argument would change the story he had already decided to believe: “I’m going to die in this canyon, eaten by a crocodile.”
This from the same guy who usually sees the bright side of life , and the one who, on a former day of relentless rain when we couldn’t leave the house until evening, came to me and said: “You know, I was a bit annoyed it rained all day. But then I realised I couldn’t control it. So I accepted it, moved on, and did a bit of indoor workout instead.”
You see, there will always be moments when your mind turns against you. But you can switch the channel, rewrite the story, and make your brain work FOR you. Even if it takes a bit of effort.
Your turn … Where is your mind holding you back today? What story could you tell yourself instead ?
Be brave.
Delphine
Is your mind playing for or against you?
