The other thing that I think we all have to think about is: let's admit it, we are control freaks! Therefore, in order to FALL [did you ever think about the negativity of "falling" asleep-yikes, one of man's basic fears-falling] asleep requires a lot of trust, faith, and letting go.

Instead of thinking about all those things we are trying to control-how much sleep, will the dog bite someone, are the kids taking school seriously, does my spouse love me...on and on it can go, what about visualizing water work...you know...going up the beach and then retreating over and over and over...one man calls it "watching water work." :)

ZZZZZZZZZZ,
Carolyn

Stress Buster: Take a walk!

So far I have been doing great! I have been getting through stressful situations with more calmness and clarity. Instead of over-reacting, I really try (key word-try) to keep my cool and think before I react.

My scary thoughts have subsided quite substantially. If they do pop into my head, I just change my reaction and tell myself that as long as I don't react to this it can't bother me like it used to. The thoughts may be the same thoughts, or scarier or whatever but either way, I choose how I react.

I posted in the general questions section and lesson 9 about an article that I read that really helped me with the thoughts...

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-eliminate-Intrusive-thoughts&id=231502

Stress Buster: Remember your triumphs

Thanks Carolyn....you truly are doing God's work! I am going to not focus on the anxiety for a few days and keep off the internet etc. So wish me luck. I KNOW I can do this...I have seen many rough patches before and now at least I know what it is....thoughts and feelings can't hurt you....they can keep you stuck if you let them....but I am realizing that if I change my thoughts, I change my feelings. And yes it does not happen overnight, but I am starting to see some payoffs to my hard work and positive dialogue. You of course don't believe it right away, but I am sure I didn't believe the negative stuff at first either....then suddenly some of it registers. It's really not a life sentence...it's only anxiety, and the anxious thoughts will go away as soon as allow them to be with me for as long as they need to be....and then slowly they go away, because I just don't care about them anymore....there really are a lot more interesting things to do! My kids are such a good focus to have...because the more time I spend with them....they love it. I just have to remember....God did not put me on this earth to be miserable.....I am sure I have a lot of God's work to do too.

Shauna and Family

I hope you don't mind, but I attached a pic of my family....just so you know who you have been helping..

by
Shauna

Thank you, Shauna, for sharing your kind remarks and Beautiful picture. What a backdrop! Did you realize God was such a great photographer's assistant?!

Stress Buster: Get up earlier...oh, come on...It should be Get up Later.

See you next time,
Carolyn