Simple, helpful questions

Hear that sizzling? That’s the sound of the world literally and figuratively on fire. Some days it’s tough to breathe. In times like these, two simple, helpful questions slow my spinning mind. I’ll share them in case you need them, too.

Is it happening right now?

First, I ask myself if the thing that concerns me is happening right now. Often, I’m thinking about the past. That’s where regret lives and festers. If only I’d done this or that or the other.

But I can’t change the past. I can learn from it, but what’s done is done.

Or, my mind is in the future.

The downside of being creative is that I have a great imagination. I’m a pro at making up terrifying or loathsome scenarios. Combine that with chronic depression (or living in unprecedented times) and you have a recipe for unhappiness or even disaster.

Asking “Is it happening right now?” is usually enough to help me remember I’m not powerless. I can bring my thoughts back into this moment, the only reality, and the only place I can take any kind of action. In this moment, I can find a tiny bit of peace.

Can I control it?

The second simple question is “Can I control it?” Asking this about the people, places, or things on my mind offers clarity.

If I do have some control, I can act. I can reach out or help out. I can remedy the situation that’s bothering me.

But when it’s out of my control, as many things are, I must release it. Until I let the uncontrollable go, I will continue to suffer.

Need help with these and other questions?

You’ve probably heard these questions before. But many of us need help answering them and taking appropriate action once we know the answers. I can help with that.

If you would like to work together on this, please book a call. We can chat about what this looks like for you and make a plan together.