1) Letting the Opinions of Others Control Your Life
       
         It is not what others think, but how you feel about yourself that counts.

        You need to do exactly what is best for you and for your life.


  2) The Shame of Past Failures

        Your past does not equal your future.

                                                                                   Forgive yourself and move forward positively.

We’ve all been in an emotional place where we think “I don’t deserve this” and “I can’t believe this is happening to me!” You’re right – you do deserve to be happy and healthy! So, how do you get out of the dark place and into living your life to its fullest? Remind yourself daily of these 3 concepts:

You have the Power to Believe In Yourself
    Take a deep breath and release slowly
    Make a list of your positive qualities and strengths
    Use positive affirmation and positive self-talk

You Are Who You Choose To Be
    Make a list of goals and desires
    Make plans to accomplish goals that are important to you
    Replace complaining with action

You are Capable of Overcoming Obstacles and Managing Problems
    Identify the problem
    Brainstorm for a Solution
    Make a Pro/Con list
    Choose a Solution
    Put the Solution into Action
    Trust the process
    Ask for help when needed

Life does happen for a reason – choose to be proactive instead of waiting for life to happen to you.

Have you ever noticed the look on your face when you are angry, upset, confused, or troubled by something? Is this the look you want others to see? I am constantly telling clients to “fix your face.”

What is “fix your face?” 
             
It is a funny way to remind people how they show their emotions affects how other people respond to them. For example, if you walk around with a scowl on your face, other people tend to avoid you.

It also helps remind individuals that adjusting their body language and facial expressions can alter their mood. For example, gritting your teeth and squinting your eyes shows anger. If you fix your face by consciously relaxing face muscles and portraying a calm expression, you start to feel calm. In addition, it gives you time to decide how you want to proceed in the current situation because you can easily use effective problem solving skills when you are calm and collected.

Body Language and Facial Expressions are Behaviors

Behaviors are a result of a specific thought causing you to feel a certain way. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, start with changing your problematic thoughts. Use this simple formula:

                                        THOUGHTS       ----->         FEELINGS       ----->      BEHAVIORS 
                                                                         Cause                                         Cause