The holidays are here. And, just as has been the case for the last few years, this is proving to be difficult. As maladaptive choices come into play and as I work at using the skills that will help, not hurt, me, I began to make a list…while sitting in the hospital and making the determination that “this” is not who I want to be or what I want to do.
My mind, body and spirit crave simplicity right now…because, anything is overwhelming…the good, the annoying, the happy, the sad…it’s all so overwhelming. And, I hate that…and it begins my spiral–something that includes being overwhelmed, responding, feeling shame and/or guilt, spiral farther. I chose a helpful skill last night…to journal…not in long narratives, but a list, with a brief intro reminder to myself:
Skills…You have many, many, many healthy skills that are better and help you feel better than maladaptive ones.
What works?
*Breathe
*Ice (a cube for each hand, squeeze and let it melt)
*Lemon essential olds
*Get outside
*Ask-Am I safe?
*Who can I call? What can I do? Where can I go?
*What are you feeling? Why?
*Knitting
*Painting
*Music
The list can grow and there are others I’ve made that I can look at. Having it written down allows me to take that split second to look and choose a safer skill…something that will get me safely to the other side of a flashback or being overwhelmed or confused…
My challenge for you, as we’ve entered an especially difficult time for so many of us (not that the other 365 days aren’t rough in their own ways!!) is to think about what is on your list. I’d love for you to share it as my list has grown after hearing what works for others, giving it a try and seeing how it works for me.
Thinking of each and every one of you right now…this can be an incredibly rough day/time and I want you to know–You are not alone. Reach out. Take a deep breath. Remember self care. You can do this–and you don’t have to do it alone. ❤
KJ
standingonmyowntwofeet 