Anagram Movies: A Lateral Thinking Exercise

"Critical Thinking" is the process by which we look for errors and find answers. Essentially, we use rules and judge their usage to solve an issue.

"Lateral Thinking" is a different process. In this type of thinking we find solutions by reworking the rules to use creativity to get answers. Research says that lateral thinkers are better problem solvers.

Below you'll find movies that have their original titles, but the letters have been moved around to create new words. These anagram movies are not only funny, they're an example of lateral thinking. So play around with the title of a movie and give it a new title. But, please, keep 'em G rated!

The Ambivalent Mind

Of all the things I've seen in my work, I'd have to say that ambivalence - the state in which one feels contradictory emotions for a person or a situation - is a rough road. The coexistence of both positive and negative feelings towards a situation or a person keeps you in an emotional holding pattern. Your ambivalent mind draws you in and then pushes you away. You live your life in an approach-avoidance style.

As a result, this rigid cycling pattern never moves you forward. You are constantly moving from one side of the fence to the other. "Do I want this? I think maybe I don't." "I really like her, but sometimes I'm not so sure." Or you park yourself entirely on the fence. "I'm not making any decisions about anything."

Ambivalent thinking has genetic origins to obsessive compulsive tendencies, psychological defensive styles like "splitting" or personality disorders, and under-developed cognitive-behavioral styles of problem solving. If you're ambivalent, there are things you can do to break the holding pattern. Professional help can get you going in the right direction.

If you're involved with someone who is chronically ambivalent, keep an eye on the grains of sand in the hourglass. If too much time goes by and the relationship is unhealthy, it may be a good idea to think about detaching yourself.

Two Takes on Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a holiday that is marked world-wide. Countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, China and Japan, just to name a few, give moms a special day shout-out on the yearly calendar.

Historically, Mother's Day has been a day where children and other family members honor mothers or individuals who are nurturing and caretaking in maternal ways. For some, it's a day of celebration, of expressing one's love and appreciation for a mothering figure. The day is met with happiness and a full heart.

However, for others, Mother's Day is not so easy. It can bring forth sadness, loss and yearning if one's mother has died. Or if a mother has lost a child, it can become an excruciating day filled with grief. Anger and resentment can give way if a person has not had a good relationship with his or her mother. There are many more examples....too many to list in this post.

In my work, landmark days, anniversary dates or holidays of any kind can be especially difficult for anyone who has experienced loss, death or the recognition of toxicity in a relationship. Of all the days in the calendar year, Mother's Day and Father's Day can evoke the most profound emotional responses.

To those of you who struggle with this day, know that you're not alone. Give yourself permission to feel and think whatever may come from within. It's important for your to mother yourself.

References:

Hinton, C. (2004). Silent grief. Portland: New Leaf Press.

Pollock, G. H. (1970). Anniversary reactions, trauma, and mourning. Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 39: 347-371.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental Health Month was created more than 50 years ago by Mental Health America to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness and promoting good mental health for all.

During Mental Health Awareness Month professionals, organizations, schools, communities, hospitals and even media outlets will join together in an effort to raise the awareness about mental health and attempt to decrease the stigma that prevents people from getting the help they need.

If you have a mental illness or love someone who does, reach out to the many community resources and planned events this month. Link here for state and local MHA affiliates.

Remember, there is no shame living with a mental illness.