In addition to reading positive and uplifting books, I addressed all of my current negative thoughts. I wrote them down on a paper in handwriting and had 3 columns. What is Stressing Me, Negative Self Talk and Positive Self Talk. Then I typed on Microsoft Word, "Current Positive Self Talk" and I printed it out. So, I'm going to start my day reading it out loud and I will pull out the paper and read it, whenever the negative thoughts try to come back. When these negative thoughts are conquered, I'll address the new ones. Just so you know, I practice what I preach :) It's good for me to write down what's bothering me, because sometimes I feel like I know something's bothering me, but I don't realize what it is and then I sometimes end up finding more than one thing. So, when I get it out on paper, it's a release, because it's not inside, bothering me anymore. I also learned from another book, that my back pain is due to stress, rather than injury. Dr. Sarno said it's your brain trying to distract your attention from repressed rage. So, I also, from time to time, write down everything that has angered me, like people not showing up for the coffee social, etc. It's funny that it snowballs into other issues that bothered me, but I didn't address them and they took root. So, again, getting them out onto paper and then shredding the evidence :) is therapeutic and works for me.
Shari
