Step 1: Introduction

Facilitator will explain to participants that the words we use have enormous influence – when we label ourselves, other people or situations by assigning a word to them, we fix them. And to a certain extent we fix our response to them too.

Example 1: If you call a new situation a ‘problem’, then your attitude to it is determined, from however many other ‘problems’ you have come across. Your attitude may well be very negative, if you have only ever had bad experiences of dealing with problems.

Example 2: If, however, you will call it a ‘challenge’, and you have had some challenging experiences that were both positive and enjoyable, then you will be set to deal with the new situation in a very different way.

Facilitator will explain to participants that changing the words we use can help us to look on the positive, or ‘brighter’ side, rather than on the negative, or ‘darker’ side. It is an opportunity of helping ourselves to respond in a more positive way when we face difficult feelings, people or situations.

The following activity will help participants to explore the value of this technique for themselves.