So, I want to hear how yesterday went! How are you thinking today? Hopefully, you are starting to see that there is a huge, bright future ahead of you. If you are just joining us, this is the fifth day of our #31daystohappy challenge. Make sure you go here to see what this is about and then here to get started.
Let’s get started on day 5!
While in a very dark place, I knelt down and prayed. I really just wanted the fear to stop. During my prayer and without any summoning from my own mind, an image appeared in front of me. I was standing in darkness, but on the horizon the sun was coming up. No matter where you are right now, your future is even brighter than you can imagine. Every night ends at dawn.
Fear of a deadly disease paralyzed me. My doctors told me my husband wasn’t sick. They said I wasn’t sick. They told me my children weren’t sick. But what I didn’t realize at the time is that hearing ‘you are not sick’ is not the same as hearing ‘you are healthy and well’. All my brain could hear was the word ‘sick’. We are going to bring up the sun by discarding words that are keeping us in the dark.
Whatever the root of your fear, repeating that it’s not real in your head as a mantra is often suggested. This is barely acknowledging the problem. We will take it further. Rephrase your mantra in such a way that you don’t use even the words that cause anxiety. Instead of saying ‘I am not sick’, repeat ‘I am healthy.’ My personal mantra is now ‘I am healthy. I am strong. I can tackle anything in front of me. I have done hard things before and it came out fine’.
While you are in the right state of mine, write down your rephrase. Do not write down your worry. It does not deserve the ink that would be used to memorialize it.
When you feel the tug in your mind to imagine your fear, use your new rephrasing in such a way that you shut the door on fear and anxiety. Use your new words & pair it with an image of what health & happiness looks like. Of how bright your future is.
Before you make an excuse, ‘but I have xyz condition!’ or ‘but you don’t understand’, I want to stop you. Are you breathing right now? Take a deep breath. Hold it for a second. Let it go slowly to a count of 8. Go ahead, I’ll wait for you. Meanwhile, imagine your anxiety is the only thing between you and your own sunrise.
Ok, now, if you can do that, if you have enough control to draw your own breath then you have enough control to do this. Does focusing on the thing (or things) you fear make you happy? Do find that your current choice of phrases is bringing you closer to your goals? If not, no matter your circumstance, toss what does not serve you, including your vocabulary.
DAY 5 CHALLENGE – #31DAYSTOHAPPY
Today, grab your notebook and write down your rephrase. Repeat it out loud (remember about the power of getting it outside of yourself?) Repeat it until you have it engrained in your mind. From now on, when your negative thoughts begin to creep in, repeat your new mantra until the focus changes from your fear or your challenge to the amazing life that is ahead of you.
Specifics:
Instead of ‘I am not sick’ write ‘I am healthy’. Or instead of ‘I have XYZ disease’ write ‘I have the energy I need to tackle today. I did it yesterday and today will be even better’. Only use positive words. Do not allow even the words that surround your anxiety to enter your mind. Your mind is an incredibly powerful machine, but it’s time to install some filters.
Lastly – I am not a doctor, nurse, or any other type of medical professional and none of the content on this blog is intended as medical advice. If you believe your issues are medical in nature, please contact the appropriate medical professional in your area. For my full disclaimer, please click here.
I really struggled last year with letting some family and friends worries/problems/fears overwhelmed me. I wanted to help and be there but it was taking too much from me and I was the one ending up unhappy. Now one of my mantra’s is “It’s not my problem, it’s their problem. Reminding myself of this and that’s it’s ok to let go has helped me so much. I also embrace the people in my life that appreciate the silly geeky things I like. I am so lucky to have a husband and children that recognise my need to sew/create to be a happier person. And I totally relate to the new book nothing else gets done til it’s finished scenario. Sometimes I choose to reread old favourites so I’m able to put the book down. Thanks do much for sharing with us all. Katrina
“Thoughts are things” and “Say what you want, not what you don’t want”
You have done so much work for all of us – – thank you! Every day, I look forward to seeing what’s in store for us – what challenge you have given us to rise to.
Thank you for your challenge and posts! Like Katrina, I am always helping others and their issues weigh me down. I have also over committed to the detriment of my sanity. I spend so much time and effort making something special for others only to be disappointment in what I receive. I have a few mantras….
“Just say no!” — I have this pop up on my phone, screensaver on my computer and signs throughout my crafting space.
“I am a beautiful women!” — I have been unhappy with my weight and therefore me. I am going to love myself for the great person I am and surround myself with people who don’t judge me by my weight but accept me for the wonderful beautiful woman that I am.
Thank you again! You are an amazing inspiration!!!?❤️
This is such a powerful concept Amanda. I can do hard things was my mantra several years ago when being treated for serious illness. Somehow I lost those words when it was over. Thanks bringing them back to me.