A few years ago, I was getting ready to go to a Christmas party at a friend’s house. As I got dressed, I worried about what might happen later that night. One of the girls that would be at the party had a tendency to get snarky and mean with others when she was drinking and I wasn’t looking forward to seeing her.
For much of the previous week, I’d imagined what she might say at the party. I’d run through different scenarios in my head – how she would act, how I’d respond.
After getting ready, I sat for a few minutes on the couch to relax before I headed over to her house. I flipped on the tv for a few minutes and watched a silly talk show, hoping to get my mind off the issue.
And a guest (a psychiatrist) on the show said something I’ve never forgotten.
He said “Stop fighting imaginary battles.” To a guest who was constantly worrying about potential future problems, the man reminded her that she was affecting her life negatively whether the problems eventually materialized or not. She was playing out entire arguments in her head. Arguments that often never ended up occurring.
I realized that I was doing the exact same thing. I’d spent a week worrying about what my friend might say, imagining an entire argument before it ever came to be. It was such an eye-opening moment for me. I made a conscious effort over the next months to stop the negative thinking completely.
But years of habit are difficult to change.
When I was asked to write this week about “Mind and Spirit”, it was the first thing I thought of. I remembered how profound the psychiatrist’s words had been for me years ago. And I was disappointed to realize that I’ve slipped back into my old ways.
I worry about things that often never happen. If there’s a potential issue coming up, I have a tendency to worry and anticipate problems instead of staying positive and feeling good about how it will be resolved.
It’s Spring. The colors of nature are coming back, the birds will soon be singing outside. And I’m ready to make a positive changes and a fresh beginning for myself. Each time I start to worry about anything, I remind myself to be positive. I’ve printed out lots of great little quotes and positive affirmations and posted them on my mirror, my laptop and around the house. It’s a great time of year to be positive and make a wonderful change in mind and spirit!
This is one of my favorite quotes. You may recognize it:
What a wonderful mantra!
I love feeling so positive and refreshed about what life has in store for me. I’m determined to change the way I’m thinking and affecting my life with my thoughts, words and behavior. It’s the perfect time for a change!
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What about you?
What do you want to change this Spring for a fresh beginning in your life?
Bust out of the winter blues with a brand new you! Springtime ushers in fresh beginnings, so take advantage! What’s the first step toward making your passion a reality? It’s not as scary as you think. Let your spirit soar this spring! Share inspiring tips to help us envision safe and sunny prospects.
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Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Aveeno. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Aveeno.