Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. No matter how much we plan, things don’t always go the way we want them to. However, the key to happiness and success often lies not in what happens to us but in how we choose to see and react to those situations. This is where the power of reframing comes in.

Recently I’ve been reflecting on the time back in 2022 when I spent 28+ hours attending to my mother in our local A&E department. The staff were fantastic, though very noticably there were not enough of them, and very over-stretched. (Sadly, this is the case still for most hospitals here in the UK NHS system). But that aside, they were friendly, supportive, and very kind.

As that night drew on it was apparent that mum wasn’t going to be admitted to the ward any time soon, and they brought me a comfy chair. I felt like a loyal canine waiting on my mistress to need me. (Not in a horrible way, but whilst she was sleeping there was very little I could do).

A&E visits became a familiar occurance for both of us through her later years. We tended to go fully prepared but this time was a bit different… not really sure if she would be coming home. In the early hours of the morning I slipped away to sort some things at home and pick up a few bits to while away my time… a book, two notebooks and several pens. I fed myself and made a few calls, sent some texts and emails, and returned to my post by her bedside.

During Mum’s sleeping times, and whilst I was awake enough, I read and wrote. I turned what could have been empty ‘wasted’ time into an opportunity to catch up with some of the things I really wanted / needed to do.

This is called reframing! I think this is something that I have always tended to do but since my hypnotherapy training, I do it more consciously. I ask myself a key questions “How can I make this situation better?” “What is good in this moment?”. Knowing that in the not-so-distant future I would need to draw heavily on the latter.

It’s important to remember that reframing doesn’t mean ignoring reality or pretending everything is perfect. It simply means choosing to view challenges in a way that empowers rather than discourages us. Life will always throw obstacles in our path, but our perspective determines whether we see those obstacles as roadblocks or stepping stones.

The Lesson of the Snowdrops

Snowdrops have always symbolised hope and resilience to me. These delicate flowers push through frozen ground, braving the harshest conditions, yet they bring a quiet joy to those who stop to notice them. They signal the arrival of spring, longer days, brighter skies, the promise of change.

Recently, I took my mother-in-law to see a breathtaking display of snowdrops in a churchyard near her home. It was a simple act, yet it lifted her spirits profoundly. Seeing her delight reminded me how small actions can have a huge impact on our well-being. A single moment of beauty, a shift in perspective, a small effort that makes all the difference.

Just like a single snowdrop may seem insignificant alone, but in numbers transforms a barren landscape into a spectacle, small changes in our lives can trigger powerful transformations. One small shift today, whether in mindset, health, or habits, can be the catalyst for lasting, positive change.

At the end of the day, life is a series of experiences, and how we interpret them makes all the difference. By embracing the power of reframing, we can turn challenges into opportunities, losses into lessons, and difficulties into growth. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. The more we practice, the more naturally it will come, and soon, we’ll find ourselves navigating life with greater confidence, resilience, and optimism.

So, I ask you: What is one small step you can take today to improve your future health and well-being? The smallest action, taken now, may be the seed of something far greater than you imagine.

If you would like to explore how hypnotherapy can help you to reframe difficult times then please get in touch for an appointment