perception verses reality
Much of the time anxiety is a perception and not always a reality. It is important to re-evaluate the situation you are in to see if you have actual reason to worry or if the situation if looked at differently can reduce your anxiety becuase you see it as a fun challenge and not a scary project.
Erica,
Good for you! A thoughtful decision is usually the best. Looking at pros and cons is an excellent practice.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I think you are absolutly correct. Many times if we would allow ourselves to step back and and look at the situation from a different angle it can be very helpful. I'm a fan of putting things on paper, similar to listing pros and cons. Once I can see it from that perspective, I often see options that I hadn't yet considered. That then becomes my new reality, changing my perspective of the situation.
Regina,
Negative is what surrounds us and we have the tendency to assiimalate to the dark side. Lou Tice's book on positive self-talk gives us the correct perspective on how to express the positive more than the negative. Positive reaps many benefits to our health and success. Negative reaps frustration, stress and failure.
Dr. Gary Carlson
Hi...
Yes, I am in accord----being a Mental Health Counselor as well as Professor, I often wonder, however, why it is that our thoughts tend toward negativity before positivity? The mind is puissant---and like attracts like---I don't know why the mind is pulled more toward the negative---Does the negative have more fortitude than the positive? I hope not!
Dr.Cofrin
Regina,
Our physical being is always looking for an easy way out. Thinking negatively comes natural. We practice it all day long. When we get up in the morning to going to bed at night. It is easy is sometimes self fulfilling to grant us a miserable life. Please check out the book at your library or online called "Positive Self-Talk by Lou Tice" Happy reading, it will change your life.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I often wonder why the mind is more attracted to negativity!
Nannette,
Negative thoughts is comon for people. It is reported that we think negative thoughts at the 90% level. To overcome this habit we need to usie positive self talk. There is a very good book called "Positive Self Talk" by Lou Tice.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I believe that someone who is stressed at work and/or at home have a tendency to perceive negative comments more as a personal attack than they would when there is not as much stress on them. The reality is a lot easier to see when you are not stressed out.
patricia,
When you can keep people in perspective and don't sweat the small stuff it is important.
Dr. Gary Carlson
