In Control vs Out of Control
In control vs out of control
How much time do you spend thinking and worrying about the things that are outside of your control?
My guess is quite a bit. It's normal and we all do it. But, if you're not careful your thoughts will take over and cause you to drop into fear.
I've spoken to a lot of wonderful people recently and so many of them are carrying the weight of our current situation. Their minds are full of thoughts that are weighing them down and causing a lot of extra and unnecessary stress.
It's time to take back some control.
Here is a simple yet effective exercise to help you manage your thoughts.
1) Take a blank sheet of paper
2) Draw two concentric circles (see image)
3) Inner circle - list all of the things you can control
4) Outer circle - list all of the things that are outside of your control
5) Put the image somewhere you will see it EVERY DARN DAY.
Here are some examples of what you can control...
- Managing your thoughts and beliefs
- Choosing to respond versus react
- Creating and honouring your boundaries
- Prioritising sleep, eating well and exercise
- Being kind and compassionate to yourself
- Reducing the time spent on all forms of media
Here are some examples of the things you can't control...
- Other people's behaviour
- Decisions made by the government
- When the schools will re-open
- The media and what news is broadcast
- When lockdown will end
- How many biscuits you eat in a day (kidding, you can totally control this, right??).
Start to notice what thoughts pop into your head each day and take a moment to check if they are helpful or unhelpful. It's all too easy to get caught up in the noise or to take on other people's thoughts and emotions, especially if you're an empath. You are not your thoughts and you have the ability to change your relationship with them or to change them altogether. It's so important to look after your mental and emotional health and to be gentle with yourself and to stay as present at possible. Focus on what you can control and influence.
If you’re spending too much time hanging out in your head and feeling a bit stuck right now, drop me a DM or book a free 20-minute a call here and we'll identify what's getting in your way and how you can restore some calm again.
