Have you ever noticed that despite having a wardrobe full of clothes you tend to wear some things more than others?  That certainly happens to me.  Some similar patterns emerge with music CDs.  Of course when you realise that some people like sameness, some like sameness with difference, some like difference and some like difference with some sameness.  Got that?  Great!  Where books are concerned, I can never have enough.  There are some books that are 'old friends', usually reference or just those that have special messages.

Managing your state, i.e. switching to a positive one, can be largely managed by having some of your favourite things readily available.  I took the idea from a coaching book that I read a number of years ago and I can honestly no longer remember the name.  Think about your five senses for a moment: - Sight, Sound, Touch, Smell and Taste.  If you were to write down five things that uplift your spirits when you see them, I wonder what you would uncover?  Would it be a sunset on a remote Greek island, a painting hanging in a gallery or in laid out in a book, a photograph of somebody you love, a sculpture or the view from your window?  Do yo have a favourite TV programme or film that makes you laugh or just warms your heart?  Why is it that music reminds us of certain places or people?  Maybe there is a particular sound of a bird or the gentle wash of the ocean on the shaw that comforts you or lifts your spirits?   You may love the feel of cashmere or silk against your skin, or you may love the texture of soft white sand against your bear feet...............

The sense of smell is the fastest way to message the brain.  There will be fragrances that delight you.  Some people love the smell of freshly baked bread or freshly brewed coffee.  It may the smell of newly cut grass.  Whatever it is, write it down.  Start with at least 5 things in each category and then keep adding to the list.  Whenever you want to change your state to a positive one, you have a toolbox of good feelings, sounds, smells, tastes and pictures at your disposal.  In this wonderful digital age it is so easy now to compile play lists of music and pictures.  What are a few of your favourite things?