Attacking Anxiety and Depression Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety

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The Midwest Center
for Stress & Anxiety, Inc.
106 N. Church St Suite 200
PO Box 205
Oak Harbor, OH 43449
Tel: 419 898 4357
Fax: 419 898 0669
Page 1 | Page 2 | Back to Archives Volume 4 Number 12, December 2004
Unexpected Moments
Carolyn Dickman, Education Director - Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety

Well, I spied my "christmas tree" on the way to work this morning. It's an overcast frosty day in Ohio. With a few exceptions, all the hardwoods have lost their leaves.

I wish I was talented enough to put into words what I saw this morning-so beautiful, so unexpected. Black trunks held the frosted branches and everything was defined in shades of gray. As I drove north the sun broke through the cloud cover from my left and a shaft of light literally spotlighted a tree on my right that had not lost it's red, purple and yellow leaves. I jumped and shouted, "WOW!" The brilliant color popped as if someone had thrown a switch and lighted the tree.

I know we'll have a decorated tree to mark the holidays, but I doubt there is one to match my morning Christmas tree.

I love unexpected moments that make me, "Wow." It can be something beautiful or it can be a twist in a movie or book plot. I still remember reading the book, THE WORLD ACCORDING TO GARP, and being totally blown away by the way the author snuck up on me at one point in the story. As I recall, I think I threw the book up in the air, it knocked the mental wind out of me. (Not suggested reading for the still overly sensitive)

I didn't think I liked surprises, but I must, well- at least pleasant ones. Maybe that comes with recovery? Maybe I'm not such a control freak anymore? Hmmmmmmmmmm

Wishing you lots of delightful surprises of the season,
Carolyn Dickman

Click here to read 'How to get off the Stress Express'

continued...


"The Midwest Center is committed to providing the individual with cost and time efficient cognitive behavioral based solutions - solutions that foster strength, character and self-empowerment."

DON'T PANIC!
Accept the feeling, it can't hurt you.
Give yourself permission to feel anxious.
Don't over-breathe. Breathe slowly through your nose.
Calm yourself with positive self-talk.
Let go. Just float and flow.
Distract yourself, it is only anxiety.
Use the adrenalin in a positive pursuit.
Don't let a bad day scare you.
Let time pass. IT WILL GO AWAY.
 
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