It seems that we are well on our way to becoming an (over) reactive society. Or maybe we're already there.
These days, I'm often reminded of a tale from my childhood...Chicken Little. (Also referred to as Henny Penny and Chicken Licken - but I know it as Chicken Little.)
For those of you unfamiliar with the story, it's about a little chicken called (you guessed it!) Chicken Little who was hit on the head with an acorn from above. Chicken went into a panic an informed everyone that she met (Foxy Loxy, Goosey Loosey, Turkey Lurkey, Henny Penny Cocky Locky, Ducky Lucky, Gander Lander, Drakey Lakey) that the "sky was falling" - sure to mean the end of the world. Pandemonium ensued. They all picked up on the battle cry and spread the word.
Foxy Loxy used the mass hysteria to his advantage, luring the other animals into his den and having adequate supplies to sup for a long while.
It seems to me that so many suffer from "The Chicken Little Syndrome". Yes, that's an actual thing - I am not making it up. It's described as "inferring catastrophic conclusions possibly resulting in paralysis".
Fear mongering — whether justified or not — has put us into a place of paralysis - and we are passing these fears and this paralysis on to our children.
The good news is that there are things you can do to combat The Chicken Little Syndrome.
Here are 3 to get you started:
MEET IT HEAD ON: Clearly identify your fear, then analyze it. Ask yourself if anything is happening right now. Usually, it is something that may happen in the future and you are letting it hijack you’re here and now.
BREATHE: Sounds simple, but it works. Allow your *autonomic nervous system to work for you. Take a deep 2-count breath in through your nose, pause, and breathe out through your mouth to a 4-count. Do this several times. It will automatically calm you down and allow you to think clearly. *(The autonomic nervous system functions to regulate the body's unconscious actions. The sympathetic nervous system's primary process is to stimulate the body's fight-or-flight response.)
GO TO BED WITH GRATITUDE: As you lie your head down on your pillow, think of 3 positive things that happened that day - 3 things for which you a grateful. Better yet, write them down. This could be as simple as a good cup of coffee or nice meal or as big as overcoming a hurdle that’s been in your way forever. Research has shown that those who go to bed with a feeling of gratitude and accomplishment sleep better and wake up happier.
So, where is it, specifically, that you become "Chicken Little"? Share in the comments. It may do a world of good to get it off your chest.
I look forward to hearing from you.
"Action is the foundational key to all success." Picasso
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MARY KERWIN
is an expert in helping kids to develop the confidence and self-esteem skills that they need to thrive now, and grow into happy, confident, successful adults. Her more than 40 years in education, along with her training as a coach and practical experience gained from raising her own 4 children, give her an understanding of the needs of each child, as well as the needs of a parent. This makes her uniquely qualified to help children, support parents, and nurture tomorrow’s leaders. Her programs provide hands-on experiences for children allowing them to explore and grow while building skills and having fun.