My mirror

I am sitting in my office amongst text books, binders, some work files and my mirror. Yes, my mirror! It is a 15 x 10 gorgeously framed mirror that rests on the back left hand side of my desk where, when I want to, I can look up from my work and see my face. Why do I do this? For several reasons:
1) To check what kind of expression I'm letting off to the 'world'. Sometimes I take a glance at myself in the mirror and I see a scrunched nose and wrinkled forehead. Such an ugly, negative image I'm projecting when I actually DON'T feel that way inside! How interesting that is. I make an effort to adjust my face to what I am feeling. This is good practice for when I'm not able to have my mirror when I'm running, studying at the library or sitting on the subway...and it also slows down the noticeable wrinkles!

2) To have social pressure, even when no one is around. I work well when others are present because I care that they see me as a successful member of society. This is a basic fact of social motivation and I use this tactic with my lovely mirror. When I'm slacking of on Facebook, Youtube or not focusing properly on the work I am doing I see my face in my peripheral vision. I look up and see that I am making no progress in this current mindset. I then make a decision- keep slacking off or re-focus. If I choose the former, guilt soon kicks in and I start to get frustrated at myself...just like at the library when so many people are around and it would be a shameful act to creep my friends on Facebook while others around me were studying so diligently. Eventually the latter decision prevails. Hooray!

3) To practice good posture. When I look at myself in the mirror and see a hunch back, double chin and crooked neck I quickly adjust the unflattering appearance. Done and Done.

4) To talk to myself. I am studying to be a counsellor. I am noticing through this program that it can be very challenging to attain skills that you THINK you have, but upon practice (ie in class, in front of everyone else) you realize you have a lot of work to do. When I am studying a certain skill that is crucial to my ability to perform a therapeutic session, my mirror is my best friend. I catch myself making mistakes and have no problem making those mistakes in front of myself. Because of this, I am much more comfortable in front of my peers at school and have made significant improvements on the micro and macro skills imperative for a therapeutic relationship.

YOU SHOULD DO THE SAME!