Therapy-Now.com - July-2010-Newsletter

July Newsletter

Stepping "Out of the Box"
While it is very easy to stay in your comfort zone, you might be missing out on new opportunities in your life. Being stuck in a rut or feeling like you are going “through the motions” can happen for many reasons. Often what is needed is something to change the situation and provide a way to break out!

How to Know When You Are in a Rut

You feel like what you are doing is a chore - you feel no energy around what you are doing.
You don’t see any options in what you’re doing- you feel like you are at a dead-end.
The only thing keeping you in your current situation is a fear of the unknown - it can be a fear of losing a person, job, or other situation.

Living in the Box

People have a tendency to stay in their comfort zone because they want to stay with what they know. What a person knows feels familiar and safe. Many times what we know feels more comfortable than the unknown, even if the “known” is painful and less than ideal. Once we have a “known” routine set, we begin to feel safe and comfortable, whether or not our needs are being fulfilled. As time passes, this feeling of comfort becomes the norm or “habit”, and we live in it without questioning or even thinking about it.

Sooner or later, this dull and stagnant pattern becomes our life as we know it; becoming more and more a part of us as time goes on. The longer we stay in it, the more difficult it feels to take a step towards breaking out of it. These stagnant situations become boring, dull, lifeless, and entirely energy-draining. If we aren’t excited or motivated by it anymore, then why are we still in it?

Breaking Out of the Box!

By doing something different, you can break the energy jam. This will allow a new energy flow in which can give new life to your present situation. Once you take this step, you can create openings or channels for more energy to flow. So, take a risk and do something different-break out of your box and get your energy moving!!

Here’s how you can do it…

Phase 1: Motivation to change

First and foremost, you need to recognize that there is a pattern, behavior or situation that you want to change. Ask yourself “Is what I’m currently doing getting me what I want in life?” If you answer no, then now is the time to try something different! This is the most challenging step, but you can do it!

Phase 2: Change what needs to be changed

Identify what you want to change and begin the process. Remember to stay positive and focus on how you want your life to be rather than how you don’t want it to be. Being negative is a surefire way to halt the process of change, so be optimistic!!

Also, having a focus is important because whatever we focus on becomes stronger. Try making your focus specific and envision yourself having and doing what you truly want!

Phase 3: Permanent change

As you practice and incorporate new behaviors into your life, over time, these behaviors will lead to a much more satisfying and interesting life. This takes dedication and an open mind, but it is entirely doable. Stick with it and you will reap the benefits!

After deciding to “break out of the box” make sure that you make the process creative and fun. Creativity is a cornerstone of success and it will help you open up new creative channels over time. Whatever it is you decide to do whether it is dancing, cooking, running, cleaning, gardening, repairing cars, etc; creativity will infuse your experience with energy and fun!

Don’t worry about what you “should” be doing or how you “should” be. Keep your mind open and allow exciting alternatives to seep through. When you stumble upon something that intrigues or excited you, you know you are moving in the right direction. There are no limits and anything is possible!

Explore new options, do new activities, and stick around people who help you feel energized and excited. In this way, you can live a happier and more fulfilling life!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS:

HPS is beginning a Women’s Support Group on Mondays from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This group will address issues such as: Improving Self Esteem, Finding or Creating Healthier Relationships, Relaxation and Assertiveness. This group is run by Tracy Gangi, PsyD, and Ginger Galvez, LMSW. Please forward this information to anyone that might benefit from this group. More info: (631) 427-6669.

UPCOMING FREE SEMINARS:

JULY 22, 2010 Huntington Medical Group Cardiology Department, Huntington, NY (7:00 to 8:00): How To Reduce Stress and Anxiety – NOW! OCTOBER 7, 2010 Melville Public Library, Melville, NY (7:00 – 8:30): What You Need To Know About Special Education – NOW!
NOVEMBER 4, 2010 Walt Whitman High School, Huntington Station, NY (7:00): How To Reduce Stress and Anxiety – NOW!