When a day (or a week) feels extra taxing the minutiae can feel monumental. For example, yesterday as I headed outside in the rain, I opened an umbrella that was broken. I sighed, walked back inside and quickly grabbed the two other umbrellas in sight. It turns out that not only one, not only two, but all three umbrellas were old and defective. So I huffed and puffed to myself imagining the worst case scenario of showing up to the rest of my day completely drenched. I let my mind wander, and make up storiesβ¦ over umbrellas. Over the possibility of getting rained on. The irony is that it didnβt rain on me the rest of the afternoon or evening. I carried around a rain jacket that I never had to put on.
In cognitive behavioral therapy, catastrophizing is on a list with other cognitive distortions. As humans, we all experience cognitive distortions - blowing small things out of proportion - from time to time. (If you are constantly suffering from these thought patterns, that are not fact based, it is important to reach out for support).
Here are 3 Things Getting Me Through, that I hope will also be supportive for you:
Last night someone shared this quote and it could not have been more relevant. βSome people feel the rain, others just get wet" - can you find meaning in the mucky waters?
Make plans and follow through. Sometimes we donβt want to do what we planned to do. Sometimes we have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going.
Find laughter and lightness amidst the storm. Find tiny moments that lift you up and lean into them big time.
xoxo,
Amanda
PS In case no one told you today, I love you.
So inspiring πthank you