Coping with Layoff

A layoff is one of the toughest experiences anyone can have. But in the midst of the chaos, confusion, worry, and hurt, it's important to remember that there is life after layoff: You and your family will be okay. You will not only survive, but thrive. You will work again. Someday, you may even come to think about your layoff as one of the best things that ever happened to you. But for today, just know that everything will be okay.

Did you by chance see the 2005 film release, What the Bleep?

If you did, then you know the basic premise of this unusual blend of drama and PBS science special: that science now has evidence that our thoughts create our reality. At a molecular level, our brains cannot tell the difference between reality and something we think is true, believe, or worry about excessively.

What does this mean for you, as a job seeker?

Well, first let's look at the bad news:

• Your negative thoughts, emotions, and feelings have more power than you may realize.


• Focusing on your worst nightmare will help you create it, rather than avoid it.

Now, take a look at the good news:

• Your positive thoughts, emotions, and feelings have more power than you may realize.


• Focusing on your best future will help you create it.

Simple, yes? Well, it's simple to talk about, anyway. The hard part, of course, is to live this simple wisdom one day at a time.

Here's an easy way to get started:

1. Make a list of some positive thoughts you can begin to deliberately think. Some examples might include: Everything is all right. I have a wonderful new job. My phone is ringing off the hook with job offers.


2. Place your positive statements around your computer monitor, on the dollar bills in your wallet, on your credit card, on your fridge, and anywhere else that makes sense to you.


3. Repeat your positive thought(s) as often as you can, especially when you are doing repetitive tasks like bathing, driving, dishes, laundry, and the like.


4. Try to catch yourself thinking negative thoughts. When you do, imagine yourself "erasing" the negative and immediately state your positive thought as emphatically as possible.

Does all this sound weird and stupid to you? If so, just think back on the times when you or someone you know maintained a negative focus for a long period of time. What kind of things happened to them ... positive or negative? Sadly, we all know the answer to that question.

Not sure you believe this yet? Or, perhaps you're curious and would like to know more? Just visit the What the Bleep website:

• Take a look at a synopsis of the film.


• Read film reviews.


• Explore the District of Columbia and Water Crystals research studies. (If these don't convince you, nothing will!)


• For further reading, click on Books and peruse the possibilities.

What the Bleep is available on DVD, too, so if you get a chance, rent it and take a longer look.