We have been dealing with an inordinate amount of trauma and drama the past few years. First there was the global pandemic, which now appears to be on the downside. During those years some of us had to deal with the effects of climate change: freezing weather, burst pipes, fire, drought, etc. Now we are being faced with the possibility of a large-scale disaster in the form of a global war. Now, that’s not to say there will be a global war, but for some the possibility can be very real and frightening. For those actually involved in the fighting, anxiety is extremely high, and those of us watching the campaign unfold on the news, feelings of dread and helplessness can be consuming. According to Sandra de Monte, founder and director of MindBerry Group, “Unfortunately, these types of events are often reminders of how many circumstances and situations affecting society are outside of our control.” She goes on to say, “You may also notice an increase in stress, resulting in feelings of exhaustion or difficulty sleeping. This is your body’s reaction to changes.” (Morris, 2022) So, what do we do? How can we cope with this kind of anxiety? According to an article on the Focus on the Family website, “One of the best ways to deal with these negative emotions is to talk about them with someone you trust. We all need “safe” people in our lives – friends who we can be honest with and open about our doubts and fears without having to worry that they’ll judge us or make us feel ashamed. If you know one or two people like that, give them a call, get together for coffee, and tell them how you’ve been feeling.” (Dealing with Anxiety About War and Terrorism, 2022) In my book, The Shades of Grief and The Uniqueness of You, I presented the following exercise that you can use to help relieve some of the anxiety and fear that has been building up over the past few years. You can find my book at Amazon by clicking on this link: The Shades of Grief and the Uniqueness of You. The Imagination Exercise – The Hot Air Balloon This exercise will enhance the creative side of your brain and with neuron building releasing the good hormones to make you relieve stress and feel good. Imagined you’re at a balloon show, sitting around with family and friends having a great time. A close friend asked you to go on a hot balloon ride. This will be your first time and you’re reluctant, but he convinced you to go. Imagine yourself of being there and take note of your feelings and emotions. How do you feel? Anxious? Fearful or Excited? Imagine you’ve asked your friend, “How does a hot-air balloon work?” He replies, “The hot air trapped inside the balloon is heated up by a burner, making it less dense than the air outside.” Imagine that the fear is building inside of you to take a hot air balloon ride, but it is too late! It’s a windy day and the balloon begins to rise…. Your friend controls the balloon’s altitude by releasing hot air from a vent at the top of the balloon….and it gets higher! Imagine the wind hitting against your face. You begin to feel a sense of freedom and joy. As the sunset, it’s a beautiful picture and take a snapshot in your mind so you can hold on to it. This new position in the sky will placed you in a different state of mind and creating new energy and motivation. The balloon has taken you higher and higher physically and mentally. You made it! Your imagination can be your friend when you trust and believe in it. It can also be your enemy if your thoughts are of fear, lack of confidence and low self-esteem. It is your responsibility to protect your mind and imagination. Thoughts will invade your imagination from almost everywhere. Thoughts of fear and unbelief are invaders of the mind, but we are in control of our mind, body and spirit; and must protect it. (Pullman A. , The Imagination Exercise, 2018) References
Morris, N. (2022, February 23). How to Cope with World War Three anxiety - if the news is scaring you right now. Retrieved from Metro Lifestyle: https://metro.co.uk/2022/02/23/how-to-cope-with-world-war-three-anxiety-16158337/amp/ Dealing with Anxiety About War and Terrorism. (2022). Retrieved from Focus on the Family: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/family-qa/dealing-with-anxiety-about-war-and-terrorism/ Pullman, A. (2018). The Imagination Exercise. In A. Pullman, The Shades of Grief and the Uniqueness of You (pp. 48-50). Annadale, Virginia: Independently Published.
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During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance. The English poet Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to record St. Valentine’s Day as a day of romantic celebration in his 1375 poem “Parliament of Foules,” writing, ““For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne’s day / Whan every foul cometh ther to choose his mate.” (History.com editors, 2022 We are about to celebrate the day of love, chocolate and Hallmark greetings. According to the messages we are constantly bombarded with by the media, especially social media, we need to be in a perfect relationship in order to be really happy. Low self-esteem abounds during this holiday, whether we are in a relationship or not. There are some things to do to stave off those low moments as everyone around you appears to be brilliantly in love. In my book, Self Esteem an Your Unique Style of Fit, I give some tips on building low self-esteem. “The mind is an activity and not a thing. It’s the language of your thought processes that is revealed through your action. To create a change in your self-image is through repetition of words, focus, and discipline. These mind activating ingredients apply to weight loss, a healthy lifestyle, love and financial success. “Prior to embarking on changing the negative patterns that are embedded in your subconscious mind, ask yourself the following questions to bring clarity to what you are seeking:
So, who was St. Valentine? And why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day? The history of this holiday can be quite dark, with the Catholic Church recognizing at least three different saints named Valentine, all of whom were martyred. There is one legend that suggests that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to the legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl—possibly his jailor’s daughter—who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. (History.com editors, 2022) No matter the rather murky history surrounding the holiday of love, chocolate and Hallmark greetings, we can always reframe the day as one to be open to love for ourselves as well as others. Shift your energy from self-pity to one of self-esteem.” References
History.com editors. (2022, February 11). Valentine's Day Meaning: A day of Romance and Love. Retrieved from History of Valentine's Day: https://www.history.com/.amp/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2#origins-of-valentine-s-day-a-pagan-festival-in-february Pullman, A. (2019). Reprogram Your Mind to Build Low Self-Esteem. In A. Pullman, Self Esteem and Your Unique Style of Fit (pp. 13-14). Annadale, Virginia: Independently Published. Steber, C. (2019, January 18). 9 Ways to Boost Your Self-Esteem Around Valentine's Day. Retrieved from Bustle: https://www.bustle.com/p/9-ways-to-boost-your-self-esteem-around-valentines-day-15831302 |
AuthorI am a Performance Enhancement Specialist with a background in Emergency Psychiatric Medicine and Community Addiction. Archives
December 2023
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