Overcoming challenges

Sabian: Sometimes, we see, hear, or feel things that make things difficult, whether irritating, depressing, or overwhelming. But, how much do you ask yourself exactly how it’s making you feel that way? What kind of beliefs or assumptions did you need to have in order for those unhelpful feelings to be sustained that, once you questioned, you realize didn’t exactly make sense or simply weren’t true? And how much better did you instantly feel once you understood? How much clearer and easier have things started becoming?

Next time you feel upset, irritated, sad, or anything that you know is holding you back, immediately ask yourself “What specifically is making me feel this way?”, and if you come up with an external answer, like “Because something/someone else is being a certain way or doing something”, then you get to ask yourself “What exactly is bothering me about that?”, and when you ask and answer this question enough (usually 2-4 times), you will get to a level of thinking that at the very least calms you down and helps you see more clearly how to handle things better, and at the most brings you one or more steps closer to solving a large section of discomforts in your life and being much happier, overall.

I was reminded of these insights after reading Sarah’s article on accepting life’s challenges, and wanted to share my thoughts on the topic in a way that more closely aligns with the experiences and values that I believe will help you learn more of the tools you’re using to refine your control of your thoughts, and feel more fulfilled.

I’m curious how you’ve decided to use this, and how much it’s already starting to help you even more than before.