An Open Letter to Your "Self"

In last week's post, "Women's Empowerment: What's Stress Got to Do with It?" we shared about how our perceptions and reactions to stress can leave us powerless. The good news is that managing stress may be as easy as changing our thoughts and reactions to what we preveive as stressful situations. 

 

Howver, what triggers a stress response for one woman may not for another.  To stay in tune with your own personal power and what triggers stress for you, it’s important to pay attention to the signals and cues of our  bodies, and to watch for stress related symptoms.

This week we offer an exercise to help you do just that!  Pretend that the letter below is a message from your "self".  As you read the words, be present and listen to what your body tells you.  Fill in the blanks as appropriate and see what your intuition has to say.

The Soul Sisters


AN OPEN LETTER TO YOUR "SELF"

Hi,

This is your “self”.  It’s been a while since we’ve connected.  I know you’ve been busy with work, the family, and all your volunteer projects.  Listen, I understand but what I have to say can’t wait any longer.

I’ve actually been trying to get your attention for some time now.  I’ve tried nearly everything; intuitive nudges, cravings, and even pain (yes, that was me).  There are times when I’m positive you’ve heard me, but then you just ignore my message and continue on with what you were doing.  Well, it’s my turn now.

You know what I’m going to say.  It’s been an issue between us for some time now, but we’re to a point in our relationship where we need to get honest if we are going to live on purpose.  We both know that if we continue living this way, our health and sanity are going to be affected.  That’s where I must draw the line.

Already we’re experiencing the telltale stress signals….
(Check all that apply)

• Feeling irritable, frustrated and restless
• Unable to concentrate, memory problems, and becoming easily confused
• Negative thoughts and self-talk
• Marked mood swings and emotional outbursts
• Eating too much or too little
• Not having enough energy to get things done
• Feeling I can't cope
• Finding it hard to make decisions
• Generally feeling upset

Not to mention the problems this is causing us physically…
(Check all that apply)

• Muscle tension
• Pain in the low back, shoulders or neck
• Pains in chest
• Stomach/abdominal pain
• Muscle spasms or nervous tics
• Unexplained rashes or skin irritations
• 'Pounding' or 'racing' heart
• Sweaty palms and sweating when not physically active
• 'Butterflies' in stomach
• Indigestion and 'the gurgles'
• Unable to sleep or excessive sleep
• Shortness and holding of breath
• Weight gain or loss

I know you think this is normal, and that we’ll be just fine, but two-thirds of doctor visits are related to conditions that are directly caused or intensified by stress, like heart and coronary disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, respiratory disease, insomnia, and multiple sclerosis.  Plus stress also leads to marriage breakups, family fights, road rage, accidents, suicide, and violence!

We mean too much to too many people.  Please, let’s not let it go that far!  It’s time to get these issues out in the open.  We both know that it’s not our long to-do list that’s causing the stress.  Our main issue, and one we’ve been avoiding, is the fact that ____(enter your main complaint here)____. 

But even that’s not our main issue.  If we break that down ever further we find that ____(enter your source of main complaint)____.    Yes, that’s what is at the root of our stress problems!

Resolving this issue is just too important to our happiness.  I know we’ve got it in us to face this head-on.  We just need to take it slow and steady.  A few small steps are all it would take to build our confidence and empower us to get on the right track to overcome this thing!  Here are some ideas I think would work for us:

What if the next time we felt stressed, we consciously paused and focused on what we were thinking about, and then stepped back from the thoughts and decided to find a new way of looking at the situation?  We could try to imagining an alternate ending that is happier and more positive.  Or how about letting our imagination think of some funny endings?  Or what if we just decide to be o.k. with whatever happens?

The simple act of changing how we think about our stress will give us instant relief and dramatically reduce our stress levels.

Come on, this little action step is all it would take to get us on a roll.  Let me know what you think and I’m behind you all the way!  You’ll know when I’m in agreement—I’ll give you the usual sign.

You know I only want what’s best for us.  We’re partners in this and we need each other.  If we can get through this, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish!

Love,

You Beautiful “Self”