We spend our lives trying to control everything in order to feel safe. It’s when you let go of what you can’t control that you feel more in control, bizarrely.
When you focus on what you are able to influence that you begin to feel empowered. When you try to ellicit feelings from someone else, you ultimately have no say in what they choose. Focus instead on how you react and what you think about the situation. Of course, it can feel impossible to think positively when you feel overwhelmed or even panicky. When life seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller steps. Don’t catastrophise and just keep putting one foot in front of the other until you come out the other side.
Life has a way of interrupting plans. Ill health, money issues, bereavements, debt, affairs etc…the list goes on. Try to stay focused and be practical. Don’t allow your thoughts of everything that could go wrong to upstage you.
They are just thoughts. use mindfulness to bring you back to reality – the things you can see, hear, touch, taste and smell around you. get back into the room rather than living in your head. Your thoughts can be dangerous and lead you into trouble. When in doubt, don’t do anything. Patience is a virtue.
Take it one day at a time and take small actions every day, no matter how small to get back to where you feel strong again.
Mandy X
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
