Choosing Vanilla

One of my favorite questions to ask a client during a coaching session is, “Can you find a thought that creates a feeling of vanilla”?  It is a good question for a client who is working on detaching themselves from unhealthy thoughts. In a recent coaching session with my Life Coach,  Kelli, the topic of feeling vanilla came up because she asked me a probing question and I answered with “ I want it to feel like vanilla”. Her next question was “What does vanilla mean to you”? Hmm. Good question. What does vanilla mean to me?

I adore vanilla.

My favorite ice cream is vanilla- Gifford’s of Maine French vanilla.

Vanilla is my favorite flavoring in baking. I collect it everywhere I go.

My morning coffee routine is a Nespresso with French Vanilla Nut Pod creamer.

Vanilla is uncomplicated, vanilla is easy.

Vanilla extract smells delicious but tastes horrible. But, when vanilla extract is added to a recipe the flavors of the other ingredients are enhanced and deepened. Vanilla creates a sweet flavor that is delicious and familiar but only in combination with other food flavors.

Just like vanilla extract, a  vanilla feeling creates little on its own but when added to other thoughts contributes meaning and depth. A vanilla feeling is not big fireworks or despair. Vanilla feelings provide neutral space for creative thought capable of finding bigger meaning.

The next time you find yourself in a loop of negative thoughts, ask yourself “Can I offer my brain an alternative thought that will bring me to feeling vanilla”?

You just might find yourself able to detach yourself from an unhelpful thought.