I have seen a couple of posts on Instagram where they ask people to share one thing their therapist told them.
So it’s a thing. I love when people can share solid advice that I can add to my life toolbox.
I was catching up on the Recomendo newsletter and they mentioned another newsletter which led me to even more ‘advice from your therapist’ posts.
INSOMNIA / NEED HELP SLEEPING?: "Gratitude ABCs" to help with falling asleep.
Lay in bed with the lights off and start saying the ABCs in your mind, but for each letter, think of something that you are truly grateful for.
These don't need to be big things. Mine usually goes like this: “A is for air, B is for bacon, C is for cats, D is for dogs..." It focuses your brain just enough that it stops ruminating BUT it's not so focused that you get sucked into it. I'm usually out by the letter H.—Bobbi-Sue DH via Girls Night In newsletter
ANXIOUS MOMENTS / ANXIETY: Sort your anxieties/spiraling thoughts into non-fiction and fiction.
Visualize a library. Think of the fiction and the non-fiction section. Make a decision to stay in the NON-FICTION section only.
It's likely you'll soon see that most of what's causing you anxiety is stuff from the fiction section. But you're not in that section, so STICK WITH THE FACTS!
Even the act of just visualizing the library is helpful because it is a distraction - Morgan B via Wondermind (paraphrased)
LETTING GO OF THE OUTCOME: A therapist told me I was not the one responsible for the outcome.
He basically told me it was arrogant of me to think I was the reason for the outcome.
context: I was working through leaving a relationship I had been in for waaaay too long.
I told the therapist one of my fears: What if I leave and then this person makes all these changes and now someone else will benefit from the work I’ve put in?
be easy on me, I was younger. Typing this right now, I can see I was foolish - I really want to delete this but I’m gonna be open with y’all…
my therapist: “Oh so you’re God!?” (ummmm OUCH!)
Bottom line: Do what you are supposed to do, all that you can do, and let go of the outcome. You are not responsible for the outcome.
THAT’S IT Y’ALL - see ya here next Sunday at 3:33p CT
I’m always open to dialogue and feedback.
You can message me on Instagram @SallyMcMullin
Hugs & LOVE Y’all,
Sally Mc