Stress & Anxiety
“Your Thoughts Don’t Always Tell the Truth.”

Don’t let negative thoughts derail you on your path to success. Learn how to swap that grouchy inner voice for positive affirmations that remind you of your worth and put a smile on your face.
1. Every time you have a thought, your brain releases chemicals. That’s how your brain works: You have a thought, an electrical transmission goes across your brain, and you become aware of what you’re thinking. Thoughts affect how you feel and how you behave.
2. Every time you have a mad thought, an unkind thought, a sad thought, or a cranky thought, your brain releases negative chemicals that make your body feel bad. When you are upset, imagine that your brain is releasing bubbles with sad or angry faces, looking to cause problems.
3. Every time you have a good thought, a happy thought, a hopeful thought, or a kind thought, your brain releases chemicals that make your body feel good. Whenever you’re happy, imagine that your brain is releasing bubbles with smiling faces.
4. If you don’t question your thoughts, they will go unchecked. Your thoughts don’t always tell the truth. Sometimes they lie. I knew a boy who thought he was stupid because he didn’t do well on tests. When we tested his IQ, we discovered that he was close to a genius. Don’t accept every thought that goes through your head.
5. Choose to think thoughts that make you feel good, not thoughts that make you feel lousy. If your thoughts are negative, talk back to them. If you can correct negative thoughts, you take away their power over you.
Excerpted from Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Allows You to See and Heal the 7 types of ADD, by DANIEL G. AMEN, M.D. Copyright 2013.

#counseling #thoughts #selflove #mentalhealth #therapy

How to find your passion?

Finding your passion is a journey of self-discovery and exploration. It entails identifying what truly excites and fulfills you, enabling you to lead a more meaningful and purposeful life. While the process may seem daunting at first, the following steps can help guide you in finding your passion:
1. Reflect on your interests and curiosities: Start by taking some time to reflect on activities, subjects, or hobbies that have always captivated your interest. Think back to your childhood or any recent experiences where you felt deeply engaged and energized. Write down these interests and curiosities as they can serve as valuable clues to your underlying passions.
2. Explore new activities: Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Engage in activities, classes, or workshops that align with your initial interests. Experimenting with different hobbies or disciplines can help you uncover hidden passions you never knew existed. Take note of how each activity makes you feel and the level of excitement it generates within you.
3. Identify your strengths: Consider your unique talents, skills, and strengths. Reflect upon the activities in which you excel effortlessly or receive compliments for. Identifying your strengths can provide valuable insight into the areas where you are likely to find fulfillment and joy.
4. Seek inspiration from others: Look to individuals who have successfully pursued their passions. Read biographies, watch interviews, or listen to podcasts of people from various fields who have followed their dreams. Their stories may inspire you and offer valuable guidance on how to navigate your own path.
5. Pay attention to your emotions: Notice the activities or topics that evoke a strong emotional response within you. Pay attention to moments when time seems to fly by, and you feel completely immersed in what you are doing. These emotional cues can help you identify activities or causes that resonate deeply with your values and aspirations.
6. Consider your values and purpose: Reflect upon your core values and beliefs. Ask yourself how these values align with the activities or causes you are passionate about. Consider how you can contribute to the world or make a positive impact through your passions. Understanding your purpose can provide a clear direction towards finding your passion.
7. Don't rush the process: Remember that finding your passion is a personal journey that takes time. Be patient and allow yourself the freedom to explore without any preconceived notions or limitations. Embrace the learning experiences and challenges that come along the way, as they are valuable in shaping your understanding of yourself and your passions.
8. Seek guidance if needed: If you find yourself struggling or feeling overwhelmed during this process, consider seeking guidance from a professional, such as a career counselor or therapist. They can provide valuable insights, tools, and techniques to help you navigate through self-discovery and identify your passion.
Remember, finding your passion is a continuous journey of self-exploration. It may evolve or change over time, and that's completely normal. Embrace the process, stay open-minded, and have faith in your ability to uncover your unique passions and live a more fulfilling life.