Mar. 3, 2010 Self Care!
Weekly Tips to Help You Create the Life You Desire
Tip of the Week
  Don't Bring Me Down

Are you generally optimistic or trying to be more so? Well, what do you do when the people around you are natural pessimists or mostly see the glass as half full?

If you are old enough, you may remember a song recorded by the Animals entitled, Don't Bring Me Down. The "voice" in the song is asking someone else to change so he doesn't feel bad about himself. What he doesn't realize is that he has a choice as to whether he lets the other person influence his life. You do too.

Here are a few ways to maintain your optimism when it is threatened by someone else:
  • When you become aware that someone is bringing you down, silently remind yourself that her point of view is based on her life aOptimistic Peoplend temperament, not yours.
  • If you're with someone who is complaining or griping, don't join in (even if you agree). It's another case of when your ears hear words coming out of your mouth any feelings associated with the words are intensified.
  • If you live with a pessimist, make sure you have friends that look at the world optimistically. Like pessimism, optimism can "rub off" on you.
  • Excuse yourself from a conversation that is bringing you down. You can choose not to participate.
Remember, striving to be optimistic is your choice. You have no control over anyone else but you do have control over you.
New Counseling Service

Premarital Counseling
Wedding Rings
Contemplating marriage?
Planning a wedding?
Deciding to move in together?

Falling in love and committing to a "forever" relationship could be the ultimate act of optimism. Unfortunately, the statistics are not on the side of "happily ever after." One way to beat the odds is to participate in a focused examination of your relationship. It may sound unromantic but this kind of personalized counseling can actually enhance the romance and intimacy that most people desire.

I have counseled too many couples who did not address important issues prior to their commitment to each other. To help others, I have designed a four to six week series of counseling sessions that address the problem areas that typically arise in relationships. Together we can find solutions to those challenges or prepare you for what may become issues in the future.

Please pass this on to anyone you know who is ready to take the leap. It is especially important for people blending families. I am definitely an optimist about relationships yet I believe a realistic look can improve the possibilities!
About Karen
Karen Rowinsky, LMSW
Karen Rowinsky, LMSW, is a licensed master social worker. She has a private counseling practice in Overland Park. She helps people: 
Who do you know who may be struggling with challenging relationships, professional frustrations, or unmet expectations about how they thought their life would turn out?

Feeling sick and tired of feeling sick and tired can often provide an incentive to face what is bothering us or to move in the direction of less stress and more happiness. Call the number below for help in getting started!
 
Contact Information
Karen Rowinsky, LMSW
10551 Barkley Street, Suite 320
Overland Park, KS 66212
913-663-3511
www.overlandparkcounseling.com
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