For a moment, I paused. With intention, I filled my nostrils and lungs with the cool, moist air of a Tennessee Spring day.
My eyes landed on dogwoods just beginning to bud, red bud trees already splashing the landscape, and the pronounced hint of green on the woods as far as I could see. Listening to song birds playing their tunes, I smiled contentedly, thinking that I might just be enjoying the perfect Spring day, playing golf with my dad at the Tennessee River Golf Course.
Then I heard two more distinct sounds.
The crack of a 7 iron hitting the ball…and the splash of a golf ball hitting the water.
The smile went away, but quickly turned into laughter.
Before we got back in the golf cart, I added another ball to the collection at the bottom of the pond.
Nevertheless, no lack of golfing skill could ruin a day of excellent scenery and enjoyable company.
And that’s called re-framing. Some might allow mediocre golf skills to ruin a great day (and I have before), but I don’t do that anymore. In fact, I find that life demands quite a lot of re-framing. And that’s okay. It’s a skill worth learning, especially in the Spring.
Worth Repeating
If a problem can’t be solved within the frame it was conceived, the solution lies in reframing the problem.
-Brian McGreevy
A Few More Things About Re-framing
1. When used properly, this technique does not deny difficult reality.
2. However, re-framing is useful in helping us regain a more full view of reality.
3. Re-framing helps when we drift into exclusively focusing on the negative, which are usually only part of reality.
4. Observe your own thought patterns.
5. Ask yourself, “How can I re-frame my view and understanding of this situation?”
