I believe that small, intentional shifts can lead to profound changes in your life. This philosophy is beautifully illustrated in a story from the life of Milton Erickson, a renowned psychiatrist and hypnotherapist.

One day, a patient visited Erickson, struggling with anxiety and overwhelming thoughts. The man was caught in a cycle of negative thinking, unable to break free. Instead of offering a conventional solution, Erickson gave him a simple yet curious task: "On your way home today, count the number of chimneys you see."

The patient was puzzled by the request but followed through. As he walked home, his mind, usually filled with anxious thoughts, became occupied with counting chimneys. He noticed details he had never seen before, focusing entirely on the task at hand. By the time he reached home, his anxiety had significantly decreased.

This seemingly trivial exercise had a powerful effect. By shifting his focus to something concrete and external, the patient was able to break free from the cycle of anxiety that had been consuming him. Erickson's approach demonstrates how redirecting attention away from distressing thoughts and toward a neutral, even mundane task, can create space for calmness and clarity.

I've also seen how progress often begins with small, positive actions. Just like Erickson’s patient, you can start your own upward journey by making simple shifts in focus and posture. When Erickson asked his patient to count chimneys, he was also encouraging the patient to look up—a small yet significant change.

Looking up naturally shifts your posture, opening the chest, lifting the head, and often improving your mood. This simple act can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of openness and possibility. Just as focusing on counting chimneys redirected the patient’s thoughts, altering posture by looking up can influence how you feel, helping you break free from negative patterns and begin your own upward spiral.

The next time you find yourself overwhelmed, try finding your own "chimneys" to count. Whether it’s noticing the colors around you, listening to the sounds of nature, or focusing on your breath, these moments of focused attention can be the first step toward reclaiming your inner calm. And while you’re at it, remember to look up. This simple shift in posture might be just what you need to elevate your mood and gain a fresh perspective.

When working with clients I aim to help you to help yourself so that you can discover the tools that best support your journey to well-being. Remember, the path to peace and positivity often starts with a single, simple step—sometimes it’s counting chimneys, sometimes it’s looking up, and always it’s moving forward on your own upward spiral.