“1-2-3 Go!”
Your Steps to Success:
1. Write down brief notes about things you are currently thinking about.
2. Set up a system to organize these thoughts, examples: “Do, Call, Write, Pay, Buy…” or “Family, Work, Social, Events, Errands…” Once this is completed, your Head will be empty, you get to start from a clean slate-Yippee!
3. Pick a thought/idea/issue/problem/decision to focus on-you only get to choose one at a time!
4. Start analyzing/brainstorming your chosen thought. Pay attention to: How you feel, What your opinion is, and Where the actions steps lie to thought/duty accomplishment.
5. Be aware: your mind will want to drift to other places and thoughts. Gently take note and in the beginning, write down brief reminders of What these intruding thoughts are so you may to tend to later. Don’t punish yourself from having multiple thoughts- just side new thoughts aside to explore later.
6. Play with new and exciting thoughts about you. Before, you didn’t allow time for this; now, you will. “I am so great at….,” “I love to….” These things make me giggle….”
Steps in Action Example:
Dilemma:
“It’s so overwhelming to make holiday arrangements with my family. I have to think about the time, date, location, and attendees. Then I have to plan and make a meal, clean, and set up games or entertainment. In addition to all of this, I have to be social and connect with everyone there and make sure everyone gets along. So many things to do and I do even know where to get started. Plus, I’m starting to get anxious about the next holiday already.”
Categorized Lists:
Times and Dates that work for me:
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Sat. the 11th anytime after 2:00pm
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Sun. the 12th anytime after 1:00pm
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Mon. the 13th anytime after 4:00pm
Location Options that work for me:
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Gramma’s
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Aunt Judy’s
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Cousin David’s
List of possible guests:
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Me
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Gramma
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Aunt Judy
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Cousin David
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Uncle Bob
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Niece Tammy
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Nephew Ricky
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…..
How I’m willing to contribute to the meal Options:
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$50
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Mashed Potatoes
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Appetizer
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Apple Pie
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Side Dish
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Other Duties Options:
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Women cook men clean
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Kids clean
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Everyone cleans together
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I am in charge of the dishwasher
Entertainment Options:
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Cards
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Scrabble
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Movie
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Pictionary
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Music
The Importance of making these lists:
These things are now out of your head.You’ve made lists of things You want and are willing to do. = You 1st You are comfortable with all Options.After you forward along this info to the other family members, they will know what to expect of you. Also, you may be starting a new form of communication all together that: minimizes anxiety, stiffens confusion, sets boundaries, and divides workloads-everyone will appreciate this!At the event you will now be calm and excited to participate with everyone.