MANAGING THE ROLLER COASTER OF LIFE
There are times when I feel like things are spiraling out of control. Some of those moments have to do with circumstances that truly are out of my control. Other times, it is more about how I am handling and reacting to a situation.
During my career as a therapist, I was trained in cognitive behavioral therapy which, in a nutshell, is using your thoughts to better manage your feelings and actions. I would like to share one concept that is quite simple but extremely powerful in helping you change your thoughts, feelings and behavior.
It is called SEEMINGLY IRRELEVANT DECISIONS.
The concept is based on the notion that we all make decisions that lead us down one path or another.
If we become more aware of these decisions, even ones that appear remotely or not at all related to future actions, we can change the outcome.
A small example for me is that I am definitely not a night person. I have come to realize that making decisions, dealing with problems, even having an argument with my husband is always better done sometime other than at night. By the evening, my energy is lower, I don't think as clearly and I have less patience. I used to try to resolve conflicts with my husband before going to sleep. Bad idea!
Now, by the time I wait until morning, the emotions of the night before seem so much less magnified.
I am currently in the process of evaluating important career decisions. Sometimes, overwhelmed with mixed emotions and cloudy thoughts, it seems difficult to separate "the forest from the trees."
It was suggested to me to start a journal and the words of wisdom that followed where "the answer will come in time."
It makes me think of the Dr Seuss Book "Oh, The Places You Go". I guess I must trust that my journey is the one I am destined to take and I will watch for those "SEEMINGLY IRRELEVANT DECISIONS" along the way.
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