What if....

[FrancesL]

Hey guys! I just wanted to say how much using the "What if" in a positive sense has helped me.

Lucinda talks about it in one of her sessions. Not only is it helpful to counter the negative thoughts with positive ones, I found it really helpful to use positive what ifs!

For example, when I was getting ready to go get my nails done I thought, "What if I completely freak out and have to run out of there and my nails aren't finished? Or what if I pass out there like I did before?"
Instead of trying to say positive things like, I probably won't freak out, and even if I get anxious I can get through it and won't have to run out of there.....(the normal way I combat it.) I started saying, what if I go and actually enjoy myself? What if I feel very relaxed and enjoy the chance to just sit there and read? What if I get through it just fine and feel REALLY proud of myself and like one day at a time I am getting back the fearless confidence I had before?

This is another way to combat those negative/scary thoughts. Doing this made me feel REALLY good.

Anyone else been using the positive "what ifs" and how has it worked for you??

Have an awesome week and thank GOD Gustav wasn't a 4 or 5!

[Guest]

That's great.

"what if" thinking has been my life long nemises. I do it so automatically that I don't even notice it. And...I am surprised at how hard it is for me to think positively. I will try to work on it today.

Thanks for the reminder.

[Guest]

This was one of those technique tools that went into the homework journal as effective for changing behavior (for me). Obviously for you, too. Progress feels good!

[Guest]

Great Job Frances!!!!!!

[Guest]

That's so awesome Francis, thanks for sharing

[Guest]

This is a really good idea! It is hard but I will try it.

[h.beth]

The positive what ifs were a huge motivating factor for me. I was surprised at how effective this simple technique is.