07/18/2024
An anxious country - what I have control over:
I think of anyone with a heart beat in this country is going through some kind of anxiety. The country is in an odd place politically, as you know. I believe and hear, there is a universal anxiety going on in most of us. I just talked to my brilliant therapist who is in England and runs the OCD treatment center there, which I contribute videos to. Remember, the main feature of OCD is anxiety. But, you certainly can have all types of anxiety without OCD attached to it. She says it's very anxious in England and most of the world as well. So, here's what I'm doing about my anxiety: I'm getting small. Remember when I used to tell you all about getting small in your life. I can't control the politics and all this hate stuff going around accept by voting and helping others calm down. And, being kind to myself and the people around me. I can take care of myself by doing just what is in-front of me. One thing at a time. I can get grateful for my relationships and my main relationship with my wife. I can read something motivational and/or spiritual everyday or watch it on YouTube. I can be informed but limit watching news that is anxiety producing. I can work on something creative. That always centers me. I can breathe slowly which will calm the brain down. I can exercise and/or get out in nature - that will also calm my whole system down. All these things I do have control over and I can do them - and so can you. Do what you have control over - and don't forget your reactions to what you don't have control over. Most of all... I can practice being the kindness and awareness I seek.
Be that for yourself an others. JC 💙
P.S. And, ,even though nothing seems funny right now - try to laugh anyway. It's medicine for your immune system.