At this time of year, we make New Year Resolutions. Thinking about the next 12 months makes me nervous, however. Fortunately, I have my Recovery training to help me out.
A lot is ahead for me in the next 366 days (It’s a leap year :). I have a busy schedule, as I am in graduate school. Many changes are expected at my workplace, and I could be in store for a stressful year if the economy continues to sputter. One of my cats is 19 (need I say more?). Thinking about the year to come is overwhelming and stressful.
Yet Dr. Low reminds us to not work ourselves up in the preview. I’ve reminded myself to not allow my imagination to be on fire. Every year brings challenges—some good, some bad—and that’s part of an average life. Dr. Low says to enjoy times when they are good, but not get trapped in a vicious cycle when times are bad. Instead, focus on how we function, not how we feel, and like any average person I will muddle through.
Before my Recovery training I would have had no “game plan” for dealing with the year ahead. In fact, I would have worked myself up worrying about events that may never happen. Now I am more focused on the here and now and not working myself up over what may be.
4 comments:
I have been in Recovery for 3 months due to anxiety, so I know how you feel. I have good days and bad days (yesterday was full of fear). I have enjoyed your blog and hope you keep it going in 2012. My "resolution" is one I'm fairly certain I can keep ... To keep attending weekly RI meetings and practising the method. Good luck to you.
I love your blog and am so glad you posted this! I relate to what you wrote about previewing the year ahead. But I know from my RI training that the future is outer environment, that we can anticipate securely, take things in part acts, and trust our basic functions. We can stay in the here and now and take the danger out of the situation. Endorse for the example and for the group-mindedness of this blog!!
Thank you for your kind comments. I especially like the second comment about "anticipate securely." I had not considered that. Thank you for reminding me.
I can't understand why people in America are so depressive? Your country is the best in the world...
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