Dear ,
Thanks to all of you who have been sending comments about the newsletter. As always, we welcome any feedback you have about this publication. Also, if you're interested in writing a guest article, please contact me. |
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Decisions, decisions, oh my! ![[Decision IMG]](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs070/1102126619665/img/37.gif?a=1102270288400)
"Some people are very decisive when it comes to avoiding decisions."
Brendan Francis, author
Many highly sensitive people (HSPs), as well as others, have trouble making decisions. However, we must make decisions in life whether we want to or not. Not making a decision is a decision. We make simple choices such as, what time to get up each morning, as well as more difficult ones.
Decision making is a definite challenge for me because of my fear of making a mistake, which is due to my HSP perfectionist character trait. However, I've come to realize that it's better to make wrong decisions and learn from my mistakes than to endlessly weigh pros and cons. When I avoid or postpone decisions, I feel a sense of powerlessness.
"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run
over if you just sit there."
~Will Rogers, cowboy, comedian, actor
My decision making skills improved dramatically when I developed clear cut strategies to better manage the process. This allowed me to have the self-confidence to make difficult choices. I haven't totally lost my fear or apprehension, but I'm more willing to venture forward to take an action, whether it's right or wrong.
![[Woman Deciding]](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs070/1102126619665/img/35.jpg?a=1102270288400) I find that decisions become a lot easier when I adopt a positive attitude, though this can be difficult since decisions often center around "problems". However, most problems, when properly perceived, can become opportunities. In Chinese, the word for "crisis" is formed by two symbols, one represents danger and the other represents opportunity. Decisions, though they can be uncomfortable and involve risk, can also lead to amazing opportunities for growth.
Don't let fear keep you from living your best life. By trusting your own instincts and leveraging other strategies, you'll become more confident in your ability to make decisions. Life is a series of adjustments. Make these adjustments, and you will eventually make your "right" choices.
"Good decisions come from experience,
and experience comes from bad decisions."
~author unknown
(If you're interested in the topic of making better decisions and are local to NJ, we will be having a workshop on 10/15 in Plainsboro NJ.) |
(Kick the Worry Habit! E-Book by Amy McNeil)
Kick the Worry Habit! E-Book
![[Worry E-Book IMG]](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs070/1102126619665/img/40.jpg?a=1102270288400) This E-Book puts "worry" under the microscope and examines the awful toll it has on the mind, body, and spirit. It investigates the physiological changes that occur within the brain, as well as how worry affects our health. It also debunks the myths that surround worry and provides 12 powerful strategies, including exercises and examples, for eliminating it from your life.
Just as worry can become a habit, resiliency can become a habit! As a bonus, you also get an extensive list of additional resources that you many find helpful as you embark on the journey to Kick the Worry Habit!
For more information and to view sample pages, you can visit Kick the Worry Habit! E-book on our web site.
Lastly, a big thanks to all who attended last month's teleconference! Thanks again for all of your wonderful feedback! |
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(Guest Article by Irving Rosenberg)
You are not your thoughts!
![[Thinker Img]](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs070/1102126619665/img/36.gif?a=1102270288400)
Many people believe that what pops up inside their heads is a valid part of their being. Not so.
Thoughts can arise from our conditioned needs, instincts, and "trickster-shadow" thought patterns (using psychologist Carl Jung's language). These negative thought patterns or "ego states" seek to diminish our self image so they can control our thinking and emotions.
For me personally, I have found it helpful to challenge the negative self-talk. For example, I may say to myself, "Get out of the way, negative thought; you are not a real
part of my belief system and are a troublemaker". After that, I try to substitute a positive thought or action in its place.
We also have an inner "helper" who will assist in maintaining balance - as long as we are willing to change our conditioned thinking. It's important to note that the limiting thoughts are not us. They are just a shadow part of the self that likes to play games with thoughts and emotions. |
![[Oprah]](http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs070/1102126619665/img/41.gif?a=1102270288400)
