When looking at anything there are positive and negative ways of
seeing things. When we recognize that the way we are looking at a
situation may be negative it is a great opportunity to reassess and try
to find a different way to view the situation that still works for us
but is more positive. By looking at situations with a more positive
lens we are then able to feel more positive. Now this isn't easy;
especially when depressed but trying to challenge negative ways of
viewing the world is a big part of CBT. Remember you can chose how to
look at a situation.
By refocusing you would not focus on why you do not like summer but
on other thoughts. An example for reframing I can give you may not
work for you but it will give you an idea. You mention that you feel
guilty because you cannot afford to take your family on vacation. Some
of the best vacations do not require any money and to be honest many
expensive vacations may distract from what's really important,
connecting and spending quality time with your family. In fact even the
process of coming up with a creative and inexpensive way to spend your
time during the holidays can be a bonding experience. Having a games
day, a water fight day, going for a hike/walk etc.
With all due respect, I'm not sure what you mean by reframing and refocusing the reasons for my dislike of this season. Could you explain a bit more, if you don't mind, because I can't undertsand how I can put a positive spin on any of it?
Getting out to nature sounds like a great way to reconnect with yourself and calm. Thank you for sharing.
Pete,
I'm sorry to hear all the frustrations you are having. However, it sounds like there are lots of areas in your points where you could reframe or refocus. How do you want to look at summer? Where can you find value in summer?
In answer to the original question. What does summer mean to me?
I'm sorry to say that I'm one of those who doesn't like the summer. So what does it mean to me?
being too hot/freaked out by bright sunshine (I have a low physical tolerance for heat and bright light)
listening to everyone else go on about what a lovely/beautiful day it is, when I find the weather a test of endurance (am I a vampire???)
feeling guilty because I can't afford to take my family on a holiday
never knowing how much/how little to wear
feeling under pressure to go out, when all I want to do is stay inside in the shade
when the weather is hot, my neighbours fling their doors and windows open and play their dreadful music at ridiculous volume, intruding into the very heart of my home and leaving me no place to find peace and rest
when the weather is hot, my other neighbours have endless stinking barbecues in theor garden and play their horrible music
The night before I had a night full of nightmares and panic..I kept waking myself up all night long in a panic because I was dreaming I was suffocating..This was a wake up call for me that I needed to do something different if I wanted to get well and healthy again...So I did what I knew would help me the most...I left the house and went out into nature where I could get some fresh air and breath again..
I'm glad you're feeling better this evening. A little sun and fresh air does wonders for the mind, body & soul! What has helped motivate you to get outside today?
So far I have been feeling kind of down this summer..
In order to deal with this I took up reading again this summer but that was just not enough to get me out of the slump I have been in and I felt I needed to get outdoors more....Today I decided I was going to quit worrying about how I look and quit locking myself up in the house.Today I took a break for the panic center and depression center. I decided to get brave and put on my bathing suit and go to the the beach to walk and swim and enjoy some time in the great outdoors and get a little sun....I had a really good time and am feeling so much better now...So I have decided that I am going to try to spend some time outdoors in nature every day from now on...Or at least every other day.This may be just what I need to do if I want to be happy, healthy and have some balance in my life...
How’s the summer been?
Are you being active about your progress?
What do the summer months mean to you?
Many
individuals love this time of year, yet many do not. Share with us and
let us know what you are doing to progress through this and how you get
the most out of your day.
It is important to remember that step by step we learn and grow.
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