01/12/2024
Something I've learned over the years which pretty much holds true for every issue, is looking at probemw and being overwhelmed by it because "it's a problem" does nothing to solve the problem. Calling it a challenge though, puts you in a mindset of finding a solution.
'Awfulizing" about a problem may light a fire under you to get moving on something, but being stuck on the hamster of "this is awful, look how awful this is" puts you in the mindset of what CBT therapists call "fortune telling" , looking into the future and predicting the worst possible outcome.
Asking yourself "what is the next stepo and what is the next step after that" lowers your anxiety because it sets you on a problem solving path. People have asked me "Aren't you worried" abut something and are surpriased when , often I will tell them no, I don't put myself tin the position of worrying, because A. I don't have a crystal ball B. if I do worry I am living into the future instead of the now, which means focusing on what can I do now in this moment.
This is part of living with mindfulness, keeping yourself in the present. Worrying is about the future and hasn't happened yet. This is I believe unique to us as himan beings or, as George Carlin (I think he was the guy) said peol e are the only creatures who can look at the outcome of something thwt hasn't happened yet so we can feel bad about it in advance. Worry only serves you to the point where is is a motivator, but jut as often as not, or more so, ruminating and worrying leaves you anxious and depressed.
Anyway, a different kind of rant from me then people are used to seeing fro me. It'nice out, get out and get some fresh air and look at your day with a new perspective. Rant over.
