So my kids and I have a cold.
No big deal. We have lived through many before and we will live through many more. Except now Bailey has begun with diarrhea. I am sure if I called 8 people, 8 people would tell me not to worry that it's just from the cold or too much fruit. They would tell me it's nothing to worry about. However, there is that chance that it IS something I am afraid of.
This brings me to my question, Why is it so much easier to believe the bad stuff? Why is it that it's more believable that everything is about to go wrong? Why can't I just for once trust that it is just some fluke thing and it will pass without a huge to do?
Oh how I wish I could learn to do that. I wish I could look at a situation and truly believe that the best possible solution will come to fruition instead of my worst nightmare. They have classes for knitting, and cooking, and parenting, and Algebra, but none that I have seen for trusting in the positive. I think someone ought to start that sort of thing.
My counselor thinks that if I go through and list all of the wonderful things that have happened in my life that I will start to believe that good things will happen in the future. I don't know about this tactic, because I know that I am blessed. I can look around me and see God's gifts saturating my life. Still though when an issue presents itself I have trained my brain to think that the worst case scenario is the most likely. When in reality it's probably the least likely.
I wonder if this is some sort of self preservation measure to prepare for the worst so I never get disappointed. If so I really need to change something. That is no way to live life. That is surviving. I don't want to just survive I want to be all that I was meant to be and I can't do that hiding behind the fear of worst case scenarios.
I am open to any suggestions you all have for me. I know that the lovely people who read my blog MUST be extraordinarily intelligent and insightful. So lay it on me. Do you do this too? Have you overcome it? Do you have an idea as to how to fix it? I'm listening! Maybe we can all learn something together, then one of us can go and start that class!
It's really hard not to always look at the bad. I think you hit the nail on the head that you don't want to be surprised and caught off guard by the bad so you prepare for it. I don't know if there is a way to flip a switch and be optimistic, but our God is a God of surprises and one who is completely in control whether we are optimistic or not. He is determining our steps and no amount of worry changes that. I would just say take it one day or even minute at a time, rest when you can in His peace and give Him all control. Easier said than done, but know we're all praying for you too!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your prayers! It means a TON to know how many great friends I have! :) How are things? I love keeping up with Baby E on your blog!
DeleteCBT- cognitive behavioral therapy PLUS grounding/relaxation skills training PLUS medications. Hard work and it works.
ReplyDeleteThank you both! Both suggestions I believe in and am trying to do! I think patience with the CBT is the key for me Tami. I am a year in and wishing I was seeing a bigger difference. I know I need to trust the plan and hang in there though. Thanks again! :)
ReplyDeleteI am a worst-case thinker, too. I continue to struggle, but I find scripture memory to be helpful. A few of my favorites:
ReplyDelete1 corinthians 16:13
2 Corinthians 5:7
Both are short and sweet!
Steph
Oh Steph that 1 Corinthians almost brought tears! That is awesome! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAnne Voskamp's "1000 Gifts."
ReplyDeleteRead it.
It'll help.
Most days :)