“For it is in the giving that we receive.”
- Saint Francis of Assisi
(Catholic friar and founder of the Franciscan Order,
1182-1226)
Why it Works
Celebrating Having Coped Well - When you revisit the skills and strengths you used to overcome something difficult, you place selectional attention on what has worked well. You heighten your own sense of accomplishment when you realise that you are in a position to give advice to others and evoke more pleasure by intentionally reliving the experience in retelling your story.
Emotional Distancing - In sharing your successful strategies with someone else (even someone imaginary), you engage your rational mind to distill them down to their essentials and state the tips clearly. This acts as a buffer between you and the difficult emotions experienced at the time. Rather than being overwhelmed, you are back in the driver’s seat.
