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Welcome to the Tollefson Enterprises Newsletter |
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5110 days ago when I gave my first lecture on traumatic life events and its effects on a human I learned a valuable lesson. Part of the lecture I spoke about the "three dirtiest words in the world" to survivors they were decisions, responsibilities and consequences. I have been taught so much in those 5110 days by the survivors that I worked with. One of the main lessons they taught me was that decisions, responsibilities and consequences are not the worst words to them; it is the word "Change". When I would utter the word change I would get major attitudes and reactions. I would hear "don't say that!!!!" or I would see their faces contort with contempt. Even though each survivor I encountered wanted not to continue to live the way they were living any longer, they could not chance moving out of what had been so comfortable. The fear of moving out of their comfort zone, even if the comfort was constant pain, was so great that they would self sabotage their dreams, successes and wishes. They would succumb to fear and pain, and not challenge the resistance to get healthier.
Well I want to tell you that "change" is not a dirty word. My comfort zone was taken away from me this year and I had no control. I did not know what to do, I had nothing set up or fall back on. But instead of complaining, I drew on a life concept I had taught others; Stop-Breathe-Ground-Recognize-Reset and then Make an Action Plan. As a result I have changed my life and direction. I opened myself to the Universe for all possibilities, and emptied my spirit of old things no longer needed to make room for new. I am not going to say it was easy but I can strongly tell you with confidence that growing is a wonderful feeling. Change is possible for anyone who wants to break through their resistance.
"I stand at the threshold of a new life and direction. What will I do? Stand still or move forward. These are my choices. These are my rights".
Sincerely,
Dr. Bill |
Emotional Flashback or Panic Attack
It's all in how you handle it...
A strange feeling begins to come over me.... It starts at the pit of my stomach and slowly moves up the trunk of my body like an old fashioned percolator coffee pot. Before long it is in my throat nearly cutting off my air...
This feeling has been described many times. Many people who have described the feeling to a Doctor or therapist will quickly be prescribed a little pill that will "help" that feeling. It is a panic attack they say. I tend to disagree.
When I feel that feeling begin to take over my body, I have learned to recognize it as what it is, a natural body function that helps to rid your mind of hurtful events by assessment. As the feeling begins to creep instead of getting anxious about it and try and fight it I stop and look at the feeling and try and figure out where it stems from. For example: I was riding in a car talking to a family member about my mother and her health to one of my siblings. Without realizing why I began to feel that feeling come on. I started to think, "oh great here comes a panic attack." Once I got off the phone and sat and assessed what was going on I realized that I was not having a panic attack instead I was having an "emotional flashback." I realized that my sibling was putting pressure on me to take care of my mother's health when she came back to stay with me instead of them taking responsibility for my mother's health while she is with them. See, it was a year ago when my mother came back to stay with me for the winter. She had just gotten back from a long trip over seas and a time staying with 2 of my other siblings. I had noticed a terrible cough that she couldn't shake so we made an appointment for the doctor. Before we knew it she was having surgery to remove part of her lung for fear of cancer. Thank God it was not cancer; she had a horrible infection that has kept her down quite a bit from her usual busy self. Once I realized that it was fear of the possibility of me having to go through the same thing again this year when she got back sent me off into what I had been told was a panic attack. Where once I would reach for a pill, lie down and wait for it to pass, I now can recognize, understand and face that horrible feeling for what it is and not be afraid of it.
SSB |
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WISE Workshops (Saturdays 1:30-3p)
"Re-Authoring the Self" This workshop led by Dr. Bill Tollefson and Dr. Palmer teaches you how to train your mind to turn intrusive negative thoughts accompanying PTSD, depression, anxiety and stress, eating disorders, and addictions into positive thoughts to empower your life. Clients on this plan may also have an opportunity to participate in rapid reduction techniques to heal PTSD symptoms and let go of invasive thoughts resulting from traumas, and receive additional consultation for a variety of concerns.
For information on the workshop contact Dr. Palmer at
954-907-3446
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 Testimony of Recovery
I found my way from California to Florida in 2005 to sign myself in to an inpatient facility under the direction of Dr Bill Tollefson. Though I was only there for a week due to my insurance. I felt that I had learned something very important about myself. Dr Bill said one very important thing during a session that stuck with me. You said close the door behind you and leave the past, step into the present and live the now. I thought could it possibly be that easy?
Within the past two years my life turned around. I became someone I wanted to be. I am now a photographer who has had two international exhibits. I worked on my physical, mental and spiritual self. I continued in my aftercare workbook that Dr Bill developed and have felt on top of the world. What I learned has really transformed my life.
Thank you Dr. Bill for helping me to save my life, I will always be most grateful to you. I had been through Hell and back several times, then I found you and suddenly my life had purpose & meaning. Do I still go your tools and steps? Yes, every morning I begin my day at your website. I gather my courage and strength from there, before I move through my day.
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I have been writing articles that have been published on the internet. I would love to see all of you follow me and leave suggestions for articles. If you would like to check out these articles click here Dr Bill's Hub pages. |
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I would like to introduce my new grandson Gavin. He is the love of my life and I enjoy spending time with him while I write.
Sincerely,
Bill Tollefson
Tollefson Enterprises |
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I am now working as the Director of the Stress and Anxiety Program at the Renew Center of Florida. For information on the program... | |
More Information
Visit me on the web
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"Life is not about finding who you where or what you lost.
Life is about creating a new you.
So start today taking hold of your authority and re-author yourself and your life."
If you wish to contribute to the Messages of Hope section please send your message to Messages of Hope |
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