Sue's Newsletters (What If)

                                                Those 'What Ifs'

We've all had those nasty 'What ifs'. You know the one's I'm talking about. It's the one's like, "What if I have a panic attack in the store?" "What if I have a heart attack when I have a panic attack?" What if I have to pull over when I'm driving?" "What if I lose control and make an idiot out of myself because I have a panic attack?" I've had my share of those 'What Ifs' and they are not fun. Now we can change our behavior and negative thinking patterns so that we can control those 'What ifs'. Forwarned is forearmed. Am I right?

First let me tell you some good news. You will NOT have a heart attack during a panic attack. For one thing the adrenaline you produce is at a very high level. You may feel as though you are having a heart attack, but you are NOT. You may think you are going to lose control, but you WON'T. Those horrible feelings are simply a product of the anxiety you are feeling. Our thoughts can dictate how our bodies respond to any given situation.

The fear of losing control/being out of control is why we actually have the panic attacks to begin with. The breathing technique I taught you prevents panic attacks. Deep abdominal breathing relaxes the body. You should be breathing through your abdomen all the time and just take slower, deeper breaths when you first begin feeling anxious.A good habit to get into is to do the breathing exercises before you leave home. Do them everyday whether you go anywhere or not. Now you know the secret.

How about if we turn those negative 'What ifs' into positive 'What ifs'. How about saying "What if I have a panic attack and let it pass?" "What if I really go out and enjoy myself?" "So what if I have a panic attack. I know how to handle them now and I know they will NOT hurt me."

Our ANTs (Automatic Negative Thinking/thoughts) hurt us more than the actual panic attack. Reason being is because the panic attacks will be fewer and fewer and they will be shorter and shorter, in time. We just have to ride them out and let them pass, knowing they won't hurt us. On the other hand the ANTs will be there forever if we do not get them under control and replace them with positive thoughts and actions.

Remember that we are only telling ourselves lies when we twist our thinking and when we tell ourselves we can't so something. Changing our behavior and our thinking patterns takes work and time, but I know, from experience, it can be done. You simply have to replace each negative thought with a positive thought. It won't be long and you will have more positive thoughts than negative. What a concept, eh?

So what if you have to pull over when you are driving. Worse things could happen than that. No one thinks about why you are sitting on the side of the road. They have their own places to go. It's no big deal. Just pull yourself together and move on. Really! Just laugh at it and remind yourself that you know how to prevent it the next time.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Dear Sue, You said in another newsletter you wrote that there are four little words you use whenever you think you can't do something. Would you tell me again, please? Your newsletters have been a real help to me. Thank you so much.
'M'

The three little words I use are "Oh YES I can." Try it. They work. And thank you for your kind words. They're always much appreciated.
Sue

GOAL FOR THE WEEK

Practice the "What ifs" in positive terms.

Practice your breathing technique!

INSPIRATIONAL

"There is only one time that is important~~ NOW! It is the most important time because it is the only time that we have any power."
~Count Leo Tolstoy

TIPS FOR THE WEEK
Laugh at those 'What ifs' and gently replace them with the positive 'what ifs'. It's great fun when we find humor in them.

Begin each day this week by saying "I begin this day with a smile from God, and a positive attitude. It works wonders.

AFFIRMATIONS

I begin today with a smile from God.
Today is going to be a great day.
I can do anything I want to today.

Let today be the first day you begin to rid yourself of those negative thoughts and lies. Don't validate the 'what ifs' by listening to them. Build yourself a foundation of positive thoughts and actions. Spring is in the air. It's a time for new beginnings and everything is fresh and new again. Start building a whole new YOU.

Till next week I wish for you inner peace, Spring flowers, and a whole new beginning of a wonderful life. Keep walking your path of new beginnings. Happy journey.
Suzi