How To Move Through Temporary Insanity (By Jeanna Gabellini)

Most people walk around thinking lots of crazy, fear-induced thoughts that they never reveal verbally to another human. What if people really knew what you were thinking?

Some years ago I had a severe reaction to poison oak. I was covered from my shoulders to my ankles. I went to the doctor immediately and requested a shot. All that got me was another reaction and I swelled up like a blimp. I thought I might pop!

In bed at night, I would find myself scratching away in frenzy at my skin. It didn't help; it just made me itch more, and I was bruised from all the scratching. I felt like I was going insane.

My mind told me not to scratch; the itching will just get worse. But my reaction was to scratch myself to misery. Doesn't make sense, right?!

This is how it feels when you're in a state of stress or anxiety.

There is a part of you that knows the logical truth. But you ignore your insights and head straight into reactions and thoughts that cause misery. It feels like a state of temporary insanity. It's easy to observe in yourself once you return to your natural state of being.

Many entrepreneurs slip into a temporary state of insanity regarding money. They ignore their inner wisdom and think they have no control.

A process begins in the mind that paints a picture of disaster and pain that has not yet occurred. Your body and emotions react as if the picture is real. Soon you feel alone in the situation, not able to get a handle on yourself. The negative thoughts won't stop. Argh!

If you can talk to someone who's not attached to the situation and who can think logically, do it as soon as you notice your state of temporary insanity.

You might feel that sharing your situation with someone is too embarrassing. Trust me, I understand the courage it takes. But I know that I've never regretted asking for support.

It helps to get out of your head and focus on a solution. And someone else can offer a different perspective that may ease you back into your normal state of mind.

The fastest way out of temporary insanity is to realize that you're not in your right state of mind that minute. Acknowledge that your thoughts are not real. They are being produced by fear.

Fear comes when you feel that you don't have control over something and the results aren't going to be to your liking. Usually when a fear-based thought comes up, it is a worst-case scenario... focusing on the past or the future.

It helps to breathe and ask yourself to become present. Suspend all thinking of the situation for a moment. This will give you time to come back into your body.

Then ask yourself, "What are the true facts about this event?"

Not your interpretations, just the facts. Then deal with just the facts. I know when you're in the middle of something it may be difficult to set emotions aside. It helps if you don't talk about the "story" or your fears in length. The more you talk about it in detail, the more you'll react to it.

If you are a person who wants a lot out of life, you will tend to get more passionate about everything. Many of my coaches and mentors over the years have reminded me to not be hard on myself when I realize I've been in deep fear... so I'm reminding you to do the same.

All that matters is that you find your center again. Remember who you are. You can create any darn thing you please. But you can't get there if you stay a prisoner to your fear.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE, BLOG OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Jeanna Gabellini is a Master Business Coach who makes it effortless and exciting for conscious entrepreneurs to attract all the clients they want without doing more, working more, or marketing more. Grab her FREE audio on dialing in your biz here: http://masterpeacecoaching.com/freecd2

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Move-Through-Temporary-Insanity&id=9620196

5 Things You're Saying That Are Bringing You Down

Happiness is hard work. Most of us want to wake up every day, ready to take on the world. But often, other stuff gets in the way. Sometimes these events are obvious, but sometimes it’s the hidden ones that are capable of turning a good day into a rather miserable one. 

Sneaky Words That Will Ruin Your Day

There are obvious words that bring the onslaught of a negative thought cycle, but it’s the little sneaky ones you have to watch out for. Pay attention, notice how often they appear. Track them and see how they affect you. Using your favorite app or notebook, make three columns: 1) Notice 2) What’s the Effect? and 3) Replace It

Then, watch change happen!

#1 What If?

These two words, when related to fear, are a screenwriter’s favorites. You become the author capable of creating scenes for a teenage horror movie.

Replacement:

If you want to imagine scenes, start a blog or write down your fears. Otherwise, give up this phrase. If you can’t, convert it into something good. Try saying: What if everything turns out okay?

#2 I Can't.

If you want to stop yourself from being productive, then roll out the welcome mat and let these words in. However, if you want to free yourself from the chains of emotional paralysis, remove this combination from your vocabulary immediately.

Replacement:

It’s going to be hard, but I’m going to push through the challenge. It’ll be good for me and make me stronger. I need this experience.

#3 How could you ________ ? (fill in the blank)

Hello Me! These ego-based words will guarantee frequent disappointments. When you expect people to behave a certain way, the situation becomes all about you. What gets left behind? Empathy for the difficulties the other person might be experiencing.

Replacement:

Before reacting from your ego, take a moment to step into the other person's shoes and think about the pain, suffering, or difficult situation they might be facing.

#4 Always, Never, Worst, Ever

These words are the mantra of drama queens (and kings). Everything gets bigger than it really is. “You always do that, you never do what I want, that’s the worst thing you could say, when will it ever get better?” are just a few terms of exaggeration that cause desperation.

Replacement:

Try to use words that open up to positive possibility: sometimes, maybe, or occasionally.

#5 Why?

"Why?" seems like a harmless question, but it can be a dead-end word that shuts out happiness by causing instant frustration, dissatisfaction, disappointment, and frustration. Beware: It is the sneakiest of all words!

"Why" is a counterproductive word when….

1) …it’s related to behavior. There is no satisfactory answer. When was the last time you asked someone why they behaved a certain way, and you were pleased with their answer? It puts people on the defensive, causing them to put on their boxing gloves, or bring out the claws. We fight back, become distant, or punitive. 

Replacement:

When resolving conflict or questioning people; think before you ask why. If you feel wronged and want the other person to see his faults, sit down and have a chat. Discuss your concerns and express your point of view respectfully.

2) ….it’s related to events. As before, there is rarely a satisfactory answer. Sometimes bad things just happen that cannot be explained. Searching for answers can cause an abyss of negative thinking that is difficult to escape. Instead of asking why, try focusing on what now. Take a realistic look at what your next move should be.

The warmth of a loving friend, support group, or spiritual leader can comfort you through the challenging times. Dig deep to find your strength, courage, and hope in order to manage the situation. 

Remember: Often you're aware of your words when speaking to others, but the most valuable words to pay attention to are the ones you speak to yourself.

http://www.happify.com/hd/5-things-youre-saying-that-are-bringing-you-down/