Just Stop!

Several years ago I was in therapy for what is formally called Generalized Anxiety Disorder.  Basically, I worried too much.  As part of my "treatment," my therapist suggested the thought-stopping technique, meaning that when I began to worry/obsess, I instead imagined a Stop Sign, thus putting a halt to those negative, non-productive thoughts.  Simple as it sounds, it did have some degree of success.

Though I no longer suffer from the same degree of anxiety & depression I once did, I do still worry. A lot.  I worry about my kids, money, health, etc. etc, and I've noticed that it's beginning to monopolize my life more than it should.

I've also been fighting a few other bad habits including overeating (sometimes binging) which I'd like to conquer this year.

So, with this in mind, I'm going to continue my new year's tradition of choosing one word to focus on, a mantra of sorts.  This year, what comes up for me time & time again, is STOP.  When I start to needlessly worry about some problem or another, STOP.  When I go for a second helping of dinner or am tempted to raid the pantry, STOP.  From picking at my fingernails to speaking out of turn, this word applies.  So simple yet so bold, that big red sign in my head: Just STOP!

Interestingly enough, as I was pondering this word-of-the-year, I stumbled upon a fantastic blog post entitled 30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself. Perfect timing.  In addition to my own personal goals, I'm adding those listed by Marc & Angel as well.  I'll be posting in more detail about each one, and venting sharing my own progress as I work on these new better habits.  In the meantime, tell me: do you have a mantra for 2012?


Rapunzel~

Happy New Year

New Year's Eve is not one of my favorite holidays. Like the 4th of July (not a fan of that one either), I don't find the potential for disaster worth the possibility of a good time.  Combining fireworks with alcohol is never a good idea, adding the heightened emotions frequently found on such milestone events only escalates the situation and allows for a helluva lot of drama.  For years I sat at home on the last night of the year, sometimes only with a significant other, others with family & close friends.  Either way, I stayed off the road and away from danger.  This year, Beren and I decided to venture out just a bit.  Around 10 pm we headed toward our favorite beach bar, but not before I programmed AAA's Tow-to-Go Program's number as well as our local cab service into my phone, just in case. We were prepared to ring in the new year safely, responsibly, and joyously. And that's just what we did!

As soon as the clock struck midnight, I kissed my sweetie, sipped my champagne and then made my way onto the beach where I stood barefoot in the sand and watched fireworks bursting over the ocean.  After the grand finale, we went home, had one more class of bubbly on our back patio and headed off to bed. A fitting ending to a tumultuous year, perfect beginning to the fresh, new one.


Happy New Year, dear friends.  Here's hoping that 2012 brings us more peace, joy & love than we could ever imagine.

Rapunzel~