MEMO TO SELF

Struggles, issues, moaning, complaining and groaning!

We all have seasons when it seems our world is filled with negativity....we just feel swamped and often can't see any light. We look for some relief or outlet. 

We can pick ourselves up and go and find a party, we can work until we drop, we can drink until we can't remember anything etc. etc. but there is still only emptiness when the music stops.

Here are some healthy reminders in order to face up and overcome:

1. Struggle builds character. Often the moments in our life we are most proud of are the ones where we overcame adversity to accomplish something worthwhile.

2.  No one does it alone, so don’t try and be the first person in the world to do so. Find friends or family to work together with to deal with each issue.

3. Unfortunately our brain has a natural inclination to focus on threats and dangers, even the perceived ones we create. Remember, renew your mind by taking those negative thoughts captive and replacing them with healthy and positive solutions.

4. The neuroscientist Dr. Matthew Lieberman has shown that the simple act of labeling our emotions reduces activity in the emotional brain and increases activity in the areas of the brain associated with focus and awareness.

5. Every time you find yourself stuck or facing a life challenge, write down your thoughts in a journal. This allows you to get out of your head and separate yourself from the impact of the experience. It brings the conscious brain into play while reducing the effects of the unconscious, emotional brain.

6. For 10 minutes a day, sit in silence without distractions and just be with your thoughts. This will improve your ability to focus on finding solutions to challenges and creating the life you want to live — as opposed to being at the mercy of circumstances. People of faith will use such a time to pray and ask God for His help.

7. Ask yourself good questions like, “What is good about this situation?” “How can I make this work?” The questions you ask yourself shape your experience of life.