It’s 6am and I’m sitting in my office trying to write this article. I’m asking myself, “what do I really want to say to my readers?” I’m wondering if I have anything to say at all.
This morning I am thinking about Natasha Richardson - I awoke to the news yesterday that she had a skiing accident and was in the hospital. She is not a personal friend, but she’s been a part of my family for at least the last ten years. My daughters & I have watched her re-make of “The Parent Trap” with Dennis Quaid and Lyndsay Lohan at least a hundred times.
I immediately assumed that she must be an expert skier and was racing down the mountain and hit a tree. When I heard she was on a beginner’s slope working with a private instructor I was surprised and wanted to know more.
Normally, I walk away from the news. I immerse myself in my own life and ignore the headlines as much as possible. But this story hits close because we just moved to Colorado, and skiing is one of our new weekend activities. I imagined my mother-in-law hearing this news and how frightened she would be about us skiing every weekend.
I went through the conversation in my mind;
Me: “She probably wasn’t wearing a helmet, we always wear helmets. There’s nothing to worry about.”
Mo-in-Law: “It’s just so scary. Why do you have to do it at all? It’s dangerous.”
All day yesterday I tried to put the story out of my mind, but it kept creeping back in. First thing this morning my husband was reading me the latest from his iPhone. What can you do when worrisome thoughts won’t go away? Whether your worries are about the economy, global warming or mad cow disease, here’s what I’ll be doing today – hope it helps you too:
1. When a worrisome thought pops into your head, reconnect to your body. Our body is so smart. Even when we think we aren’t carrying stress and anxiety around our body will tell us where the rough spots are. So right now, take a deep breath and feel your energy come back into your body. Let your shoulders relax and on the next deep, deep breath send all of your thoughts down to your feet. Imagine the breath shooting out the bottom of your feet into the ground. Now pull that energy back up through your body and out the top of your head. Wiggle your fingers, wiggle your toes, shrug your shoulders. Doesn’t that feel good?
2. Focus on what’s right in front of you. Usually when worries start to get the better of you, it’s because you’re avoiding stuff. Ask yourself, “What am I avoiding doing right now?” and just listen (without judgment) to what pops into your head. Notice and then take action. The dishes, the article, the bills, that phone call….whatever it is-- take action. This will give you new momentum, once you’ve got the energy ball rolling you’ll feel re-engaged with your life.
3. Reward yourself. This is my favorite part. Reward yourself for stopping the pattern of worry & avoidance. Find something fun to do for the next 5 minutes. Take a quick break. Put on your favorite song. Dance around the office. Open a window. Go outside. Blow bubbles. Jump rope. Create a DJ name on Blip.fm and spin some tunes. (mine is “DJ Sandylicious” and my friends tell me I’ve got “mad skilz”)
As you’re shakin’ your booty today, remember I’ll be shakin’ mine right along with you. What’s your favorite song to dance to? (send your requests to sandy@sandygrason.com or follow me on twitter & you can listen to my next DJ spot!)
Remember! 5 minutes of play then back to work!
Have a faaaabulous day!
