I was thinking about posting this in the depression thread, but I feel everyone should look at this and see if it helps them in their day to day life (depressed or not)
For the longest time I have been depressed and just not happy with the way my life was going.
I finally got over my fear and went to see a therapist, we had our discussion, and at the end of it he gave me a piece of paper. This paper has a list of 11 things or actions on it, and after reading the whole list I feel that some of what is said can help alot of people through tough times or just a pick me up when needed. So here is that list. I hope it helps some of us out!
"Take Care" - The Ten Jewels
1) whatever you focus your mind on becomes real, eventually taking over your awareness. Therefore we make efforts to "change our mind" from pain over to relaxation; from guilt and blame to self-acceptance and gentleness; from fear of the future to being in the present. Accept yourself- treasure your idiosyncrasies and foibles. Remind yourself of your strength, gifts and your proven loyalty to yourself over the years, on a daily basis.
2) Simplify: during more stressful and low energy times, keep life simple, attending to say 5 or so activitys per day.
3) Keep occupied as much as possible- make a schedule with exercise in it, stay in contact with friends, make new aquaitinces/friends, list things you can do. KNOW THAT TO BEGIN ANYTHING IS OFTEN BETTER THAN TO THINK. So keep busy while waiting for something to happen. ("action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause of fear. Perhaps the action you take will be successful; perhaps different actions or adjustments will have to follow. But any action is better than no action at all"- NV Peele)
4) Now is the only time there is. Dont spend too much time dwelling on the negatives of the past or the perceived problem in the future. Likely these perceptions re past and future are false or distorted. Come back to the present constantly.
5) Keep one focus, not 4 or 5. Do one activity at a time, and engage in it, enjoy it- rather than becoming anxious re everything you have to do. (keep lists so you can let go of outstanding things).
6) Make sure of good sleep habits
7) Forgive yourself daily and relax. If unfinished activities pile up, it's not that you are slow, lazy or stupid. You are likely expecting too much at that particular moment. Stick to 2 or 3 priorities- shelve the rest
8) Make use of thought-stopping. Order negative thoughts to go away or put them aside.
9) Stop once per day and ask yourself "what do I need right now. What can I do for myself today to help me"
10) Don't be a victim. Do things for yourself to feel effective and in control. Don't give in to self-pity.
11) Remember what has worked for you in the past. Likely beneath all the doubts, fears, recriminations, and self-criticism that are swirling around your head, you hear a few faint and muffeld words of your own good advice telling you what is good for you. This Counsel may be barely audible, but listen carefully to it. Unbeknownst to you, you already have everything you need to be happy, including the wisdom you have developed over your life so far.
So there you have it guys. I hope this will help even one person, and I hope everyone gets a chance to read the whole thing. I personally believe this is great advice, on how to have a outlook on life. Take care everyone!
For the longest time I have been depressed and just not happy with the way my life was going.
I finally got over my fear and went to see a therapist, we had our discussion, and at the end of it he gave me a piece of paper. This paper has a list of 11 things or actions on it, and after reading the whole list I feel that some of what is said can help alot of people through tough times or just a pick me up when needed. So here is that list. I hope it helps some of us out!
"Take Care" - The Ten Jewels
1) whatever you focus your mind on becomes real, eventually taking over your awareness. Therefore we make efforts to "change our mind" from pain over to relaxation; from guilt and blame to self-acceptance and gentleness; from fear of the future to being in the present. Accept yourself- treasure your idiosyncrasies and foibles. Remind yourself of your strength, gifts and your proven loyalty to yourself over the years, on a daily basis.
2) Simplify: during more stressful and low energy times, keep life simple, attending to say 5 or so activitys per day.
3) Keep occupied as much as possible- make a schedule with exercise in it, stay in contact with friends, make new aquaitinces/friends, list things you can do. KNOW THAT TO BEGIN ANYTHING IS OFTEN BETTER THAN TO THINK. So keep busy while waiting for something to happen. ("action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause of fear. Perhaps the action you take will be successful; perhaps different actions or adjustments will have to follow. But any action is better than no action at all"- NV Peele)
4) Now is the only time there is. Dont spend too much time dwelling on the negatives of the past or the perceived problem in the future. Likely these perceptions re past and future are false or distorted. Come back to the present constantly.
5) Keep one focus, not 4 or 5. Do one activity at a time, and engage in it, enjoy it- rather than becoming anxious re everything you have to do. (keep lists so you can let go of outstanding things).
6) Make sure of good sleep habits
7) Forgive yourself daily and relax. If unfinished activities pile up, it's not that you are slow, lazy or stupid. You are likely expecting too much at that particular moment. Stick to 2 or 3 priorities- shelve the rest
8) Make use of thought-stopping. Order negative thoughts to go away or put them aside.
9) Stop once per day and ask yourself "what do I need right now. What can I do for myself today to help me"
10) Don't be a victim. Do things for yourself to feel effective and in control. Don't give in to self-pity.
11) Remember what has worked for you in the past. Likely beneath all the doubts, fears, recriminations, and self-criticism that are swirling around your head, you hear a few faint and muffeld words of your own good advice telling you what is good for you. This Counsel may be barely audible, but listen carefully to it. Unbeknownst to you, you already have everything you need to be happy, including the wisdom you have developed over your life so far.
So there you have it guys. I hope this will help even one person, and I hope everyone gets a chance to read the whole thing. I personally believe this is great advice, on how to have a outlook on life. Take care everyone!
