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Dec 05, 2022, 11:26 AM
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Member Since: Nov 2002
Location: Mid World
Posts: 18,084
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Quote:
Originally Posted by *Beth*
I not only believe you, I wish I could give you the biggest hug ever invented for being smart about taking the steps to see to it that you got medication for yourself and that you got yourself into therapy and worked so hard to gain a sense of being able to work with your thoughts.
You did what worked. That's wisdom, and your self-care is admirable.
So, I'm wondering something. These days, when you feel your thoughts begin to take the wrong direction and you say to yourself, Whoa, liz, time to get back on track. I need to....
What's the first step you take?
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I'd say the first step is recognizing when the negative thoughts start, or at least recognize I am having them. Sounds kinda weird, huh? But how can I address something if I don't know I'm doing it?
Then I need to identify what's causing the negative thoughts. A major source for me is spending too much time playing on my phone. That nagging voice at the back of my head starts in about being "nonproductive" and "wasting time." That spirals into lack of self-worth and other shyte.
Some times I remind myself I'm retired and can "waste" as much time as I want. Some times I make myself put down the phone and go do something.
I would encourage everyone to be kind to yourself while you work on new skills. Remember it will come in baby steps. And, just like a baby learning to walk, we occasionally fall on our butts. That's okay. Just dust yourself off and start again.
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