Plastic brain and ‘The Barlows’ by Sue Matthew – Life Coach
Years ago on a long drive together, my friend Lynne told me about plastic brain. Apparently the armed forces use ‘plastic brain’; step by step instructions on sheets of plastic for emergencies: if the plane is on fire here is what to do.
Plastic brain in everyday life
Knowing by heart or having your plastic brain list in a handy place is like having band aids in the cupboard – life tends to have bumpy bits. This list is what to do if smoke starts pouring out of you personal ‘plane’…
You can write this as a letter, note or card or make a list; ‘dear darling me, here’s what you need to do to get out of the smoking plane/get on an even keel/recover your sense of humor.’
Red flags, high visibility fencing and ‘The Barlows’
Knowing your own red flags and taking action can save time and energy; it’s worthwhile setting up the safety net at the ‘top of the cliff’. How do you know if you are heading into unhealthy patterns or not meeting you own needs? What are the warning signs? What is the creepy music that starts playing in your head?
For me: tired, hungry, pushing myself, saying mean things to myself and martyrdom – will generally do the trick.
Some of my red flags are: internal grumbling sound track, no sense of humour and the urge to complain and blame. I still live in the same house with the same family and do the same work but the ‘Jaws’ theme is playing and it all feels like hard work.
Meet the Barlows: one of my husband’s creations, the Barlows are a kindly bunch of older men who patrol the top of my personal cliff. They put up orange high visibility plastic fencing and say things like: “Come away from there love. Now, would you like a cuppa?” (they have a ‘smoko’ shed).
Once I’ve stepped away from the edge I can start doing plastic brain – food, water, story, quiet…and later, review my recipe for a happy me.
Recipe for a happy you
Looking back at times when life was going really well for you, what were you doing that worked for you? These are the things to put on your plastic brain list and on your recipe for a happy you.
Going to the gym? Picking flowers? Playing the ukulele? What helps you be happy, fulfilled and enjoying your life? You can write a long long list and keep adding to it – a collage of images works well too.
Looking over this list (or collage) regularly, if you are missing out on doing the things that make you feel good – you can bring these back in to your life, even in small ways. You may not be able to have a massage right now, but you can find ways to nurture yourself. Massage hand cream into your hands (they do so much work for us) or feet..
My recipe includes: space and time on my own, exercise and being out in nature, connecting with people I love, contributing in the community, learning new things..
When I bring these into my everyday life, I feel good in myself. It’s the same life (lovely home, brilliant husband, great children, inspiring work), now everything in it feels right and good.
*What are your ‘red flags’?
*What is your ‘plastic brain’ for bringing yourself back to balance?
*What is your recipe for a happy you?
Compassionate Creative Coaching
Life coaching supports positive self care in ways that are gentle, practical and encouraging. Coaching with someone who champions and encourages your flourishing is a nourishing gift to yourself.
If you are interested in having a chat about life coaching or would like to benefit from a free introductory session, please contact me; I’d love to hear from you.
Sue Matthew sue@flourishing.net.nz
