CHOICE

Hello lovely humans,

Today I want to talk about the power of choice.

People often experience emotional distress at some point in their lives. Sometimes the core of their distress is the difficulty navigating interpersonal relationships. I'm often asked, 'what should I do?' As an outsider looking in I have many answers, tools and strategies but will they land where they need to for that person? Afterall, mental well-being truly is an inside job.

One of the most important interpersonal relationships that we fail to nurture is the one we have with ourselves. We are a constant voice to ourselves and the content of that voice is vital to our well-being. Our brain is bombarding us with advice which can become ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts). Sometimes these thoughts wash through us like a raging tsunami and sometimes we're in smooth buoyancy with them. Nevertheless, both can cause a strong connection to our neural pathways and all of a sudden it cements how we see ourselves in the world.

When there is distance between body and spirit (our highest good) we become outsiders looking into our own lives, and that is when the ANTs come creeping in. When these ANTs are regularly activated and on loop they can become problematic and morph into depression and/or anxiety. Although depression and anxiety have a heaviness attached to them they also have the weight of a puff of smoke. Just like a well-meaning friend we offer ourselves advice. Seemingly practical advice, very matter of fact stuff. However, when this mode of operating and functioning in the world causes us disruption and no longer serves our highest good it's time to go back to the drawing board.

Never ignore the ANTs!

Take some time to sit with them. Understand what they are trying to teach you.

Write them down, read them aloud and ask yourself if they are true.

Now, flip the thought. Write them down with a positive spin. Ask yourself if they are true.

This exercise will strengthen fact from fiction and teach your mind to become grounded and dissect your ANTs.

So, what does all this have to do with choice? Everything!

Remember, every minute of the day we are choosing things, the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the way we respond to our environment and people. Take the time to be deliberate about the choices that serve your mental well-being. Yes, it will be overwhelming when you start choosing a new (and unknown) way of thinking. It's more than ok to feel this way. Lean into being uncomfortable because that is where the nucleus of growth lies. When you do decide to embark on this new and wonderful journey of growth please seek out those who can support you, namely those who are in the profession.

So, tell me, what are you choosing to do for your highest good right now?

I'm only as far away as your next session. So, let's get started to explore the many possibilities shall we?

Yours in therapy,

Mackie Demirel

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