If it doesn't Challenge you, It won't change You.

Some of you, you probably heard me talking about going to Arizona (for the 2013 Heritage Makers Conference) and… then changing my mind and not going anymore –

And now… I’m going again! J

I’ve been battling myself for quite some time now and have formally made a decision - I’m going to Arizona!!

The below isn’t so much an explanation for anyone but more of a journaling note of my inner-thoughts for me (and since you are such wonderful people who [I know] enjoy learning, I am sharing with you for Personal Development purposes).

My battle was all internal (emotions of guilt, negative self-talk, feeling of lack, fear of unknown) – and yesterday I had an ah-ha moment! of – Girl you gotta do it! 

I read about it, I talk about it and now is my turn to do it.

I made a decision to make the formal decision yesterday and to stop looking back and thinking about it.

I was completely frustrated and confused – and “had” decided that I wasn’t going and I made the call to tell my rep.

Internally I was upset about it – emotion – however my logic was telling me that this was “for the better good” and that I’ll get over it.

I pulled a tarot card prior to making the call: http://www.biddytarot.com/tarot-card-meanings/minor-arcana/suit-of-swords/two-of-swords/

…which really didn’t help me – but obviously confirmed my frustration of indecision.

Why was I so indecisive? Had I really made a decision and …was it the right one?

Why hadn’t I cancelled anything? Why am I battling this decision?

I told my rep I was feeling really confused and frustrated and I shouldn’t be feeling like this – making a decision to go should be easy!

She agreed and that was that! I wasn’t going…

But then she started talking about ‘stuff’ and I got all frustrated again – about going and figured out that this was because I was going against my inner-gut.

Everything in my “being” is telling me to go, I can see myself there, I can see myself benefiting from it, I feel good about it…

But my logic screams in my head: “really? Do you really think you should go? How selfish of you – taking up a whole week by yourself and spending money to boot!! There are so many other things you could do – as a family! Who do you think you are? If my spouse wanted to do this, how would you feel – would you just let him go?! I don’t think so!...” blah blah blah…

So I am sick to my stomach excited – and am stepping out of my ego and fears and inflicting Change with Love!

My message (light bulb moment) from up-above is ask for help and allow myself to receive it.

I LOVE helping others and can GIVE unconditionally but when my turn comes, there is where I hit a brick wall and voices get really loud (in my head).

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” ~ Matthew 7:7

I’ve lived this SEVERAL times in my lifetime – and so this is GOD knocking on my heart and telling me to “let go” and to just “believe”, again!

Ask, Believe and Receive – Let go of the “other” stuff and just allow the Universe to do its work and this is where Change / New Beginnings happen (internally)!

Today’s Message is for my inner-self:

1) Be impeccable with your word: I had originally said I was going – I have to stick to my “guns” and do what I say (listen to myself).

2) Don’t take anything personally: I was originally going with a local girlfriend however due to circumstances she’s no longer going and I can’t take “her” situation on.

3) Don’t make assumptions: Hello?! I live here!! I am letting go of the logic of this situation and am walking forward – into faith.

4) Always do your best: I have to give myself credit where credit is due – and know that I am doing my best (right in this moment).

Learn more about these agreements here: http://tammymathieu.blogspot.ca/2012/06/five-agreements-toltec-wisdom.html

These wonderful agreements are sourced from:   

Don Miguel Ruiz  http://www.miguelruiz.com/ 

Anxiety vs Stress

Stress isn't an illness and in itself isn't even necessarily harmful. It is defined as a physical, mental or emotional tension and can have vital positive effects when it provides the adrenaline we need to face genuine danger or to rise to meet challenges such as giving presentations or coping with life's deadlines and dramas. 

Unfortunately, reactions to stress can vary widely and can result in unreasonable, crippling anxiety for some. In fact, 25% of the population will suffer from some type of anxiety disorder during their lives, with women being particularly susceptible. If you are amongst this group, you may find it encouraging to know that anxiety disorders are the most treatable of all mental disorders. 80% who undergo cognitive behaviour therapy report recovery after a year. 

Tips and Tools You Can Use

It is essential to recognize that anxiety disorders are medical conditions that require diagnosis by a medical practitioner and subsequent treatment. Don't try to overcome the challenge alone - there are numerous resources to help you. Here are some tips to help you get started: 

Types of anxiety disorders

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by chronic worrying, nervousness and exaggerated fears. It is usually accompanied by physical symptoms that may include headaches, shaking, twitching, hot flushes, breathlessness, dizziness, nausea or insomnia.
• Panic attacks involves panic attacks, which lead to a cycle of fear of future attacks. Panic attacks can be terrifying for the person afflicted and may include trembling or shaking, a choking sensation, racing heart beat, dizziness, tight chest, numbness or tingling and the fear that a heart attack or death is imminent.
• Social Anxiety Disorder is noted by an extreme fear of being humiliated or 'shown up' in front of others. Symptoms may include a severe fear of speaking, eating or writing in public; blushing, sweating and inappropriate anxiety during social interaction and difficulty making eye contact. Day to day living can become virtually impossible for some sufferers, with serious consequences on work, education and relationships.
• Phobias involve an irrational and exaggerated fear of specific situations or objects. Phobias can include agoraphobia (fear of going out) and claustrophobia (fear of being enclosed), amongst many others.
• Obsessive compulsive disorder results in continual unwanted thoughts and rituals that the sufferer has no control over. These can range from fear of germs or contamination with subsequent compulsive washing and cleaning, to compulsive touching, checking or counting.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder affects sufferers who have been through extreme mental or physical trauma. Symptoms can include traumatic flashbacks, emotional numbness and hyper-anxiety.
• Self assessment

Children and Anxiety

• Fears, Phobias and Anxiety in children
  (http://www.childanxiety.net/Fears_Phobias_Anxiety.htm)
• Helping your child deal with trauma
  (http://www.parents-talk.com/expertsadvice/ea_st_0005.html)

Treatment

• Your general physician may give you a thorough physical examination to rule out any physical medical conditions.
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is proving highly effective. You may be referred to a psychologist, counsellor or support group who will help you gain understanding of thinking patterns, gradual exposure to and mastery of situations that have provoked anxiety, and various strategies - including breathing and relaxation techniques - to reduce or cease unwanted reactions.
• Highly effective medications are available, which form a crucial part of the recovery process for many.
• A combination of medication and therapy is reported to be achieving highest success rates.
• Coping with anxiety
• Simple things you can do to control stress

(http://stress.about.com/library/weekly/aa112600a.htm)

o   Supporting someone with anxiety

·         Medications

o   Access to Health Canada medication related information (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/product.htm)

o   Health Canada drug product database  (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb-dgps/therapeut/htmleng/dpd.html)

o   What's this pill for again?

(http://www.50Plus.com)

o   Medication

(http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/for_you/seniors.html#7)

Helpful Resources

Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM)

(http://www.adam.mb.ca/about.html)

For more information or to arrange an appointment for confidential counselling, contact FGIworld, your EAP/EFAP provider, (24 hours-a-day/7days-a-week) at: 1-800-268-5211 (English) 1-800-363-3872 (en français)

How to Avoid Burnout

'Burnout' is a stress condition brought on by being involved in an intense situation for a long period of time, without adequate rest and recreation. Although most commonly thought of in relation to a job, burnout can also occur in other situations, such as when we are a primary caregiver to small children or a sick elderly person. It is often the result of feeling overworked and underappreciated.

You can learn how to avoid burnout by knowing your own limits, taking care of yourself and learning from the ideas and strategies of others in similar situations. 

Tips and Tools You Can Use

Learning to understand burnout can help you to avoid it. Try to know your own limits and develop coping strategies for periods when stress overload seems unavoidable. Here are some great tips to help you stay on top of things: 

Know your limits

• Learn to control a situation that has the potential for burnout by recognizing it at the outset.
• Certain jobs, such as air traffic control, are known for their high incidence of burnout.
• Jobs that involve caring for the very ill or which require a great number of overtime hours are also known to have high burnout rates.
• Some people thrive on stressful situations, but others sacrifice their own needs when they get involved.
• Try to know yourself well enough to avoid situations of potential burnout.
• Dealing with stress
• Coping with job stress
• Understanding balance

Taking care of yourself

• When you ignore your physical and emotional needs during a period of constant or severe stress, burnout may result.
• Good self-care includes eating nutritious, well-balanced meals at regular hours.
• Regular exercise is important. Try walking or jogging around the block at lunchtime.
• Try to ensure you have adequate and satisfying sleep.
• Regular rest and recreation will help to avoid burnout. Recognize that you are not doing anyone a favour by depriving yourself in these areas.
• If you are in a stressful situation and realize that one or more of your self-care habits has gone by the wayside, it might be time to take a look at what is causing the stress and take action to change it.

·         Balancing work, family and fun:

o   Healthy lifestyle Canada's Food Guide  (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/lifestyles/food_nutr.html)

o   Canada's Physical Activity Guide  (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hppb/paguide/) 

Talking with others

• Share your feelings with others in the same or a similar situation.
• Listen to what they say about the strategies they use to cope.
• Consider joining a support group for people in your situation. Eg. A support group for caregivers or for new mothers.
• Talk with someone from outside the situation who is objective and might also offer new ideas.
• Sometimes communicating with others about your own situation is a positive step away from stress and burnout towards greater health.
• If burnout is becoming severe and is affecting your ability to function properly, talk to your doctor or to a confidential EAP counsellor.
• Anxiety vs Stress

Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM)

(http://www.adam.mb.ca/about.html)

Helpful Resources

Simple things you can do today to control stress

(http://stress.about.com/library/weekly/aa112600a.htm)

Your great balancing act - tools and advice

(http://www.chatelaine.com/article.jsp?page=health&cid=661127)

 For more information or to arrange an appointment

for confidential counselling, contact FGIworld,

your EAP/EFAP provider, (24 hours-a-day/7days-a-week) at:

1-800-268-5211 (English) 1-800-363-3872 (en français)

Self-Assessment: Anxiety

Many of us are struggling to balance increasing workloads with added family pressures, such as financial issues and the care-giving needs of both children and ailing adult loved ones. The result can be an overload of stress which, for 25% of us, leads to anxiety disorders at some point during our lives. 

When stress begins to feel out of hand, it is time to assess whether you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Given that this is one of the easiest mental conditions to treat, diagnosis is the first step towards recovery. Now could be the perfect day to begin. 

Tips and Tools You Can Use

Stress isn't an illness. It is merely mental or emotional tension and has a positive role to play in the release of adrenaline, which helps us face life's deadlines and challenges. However, if your reaction to stress becomes exaggerated or irrational, it is time to ask your doctor about anxiety disorders. Here are some tips to help you get started: 

Symptoms may include

• Chronic worrying, nervousness and heightened fears.
• Shaking, twitching or trembling.
• Hot flushes, sweating.
• Dizziness, light-headedness.
• Numbness or tingling.
• Breathlessness or a choking sensation.
• Racing heart, tight chest.
• Feelings of impending doom.
• Depression and insomnia.
• Sudden panic attacks which may involve trembling, shaking, racing heart, tight chest, breathlessness, a choking sensation and feelings of being out of control.
• Fear of panic attacks.
• Phobias, involving an irrational fear of certain objects or situations.
• Extreme fear of being humiliated or 'shown up' in front of others, resulting in difficulty speaking, writing or interacting in public.
• Continual and compulsive unwanted thoughts or ritual actions that cannot be controlled.
• Anxiety that is impacting on your life.
• Anxiety vs stress
• Panic Attacks

Some of the above symptoms may indicate other, more serious conditions. 

Please check with your doctor. 

Treatment

• A thorough physical examination to rule out any physical medical conditions.
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy involves gaining understanding of thinking patterns, gradual exposure to and mastery of situations that have provoked anxiety, and various strategies-including breathing and relaxation techniques-to reduce unwanted reactions.

·         Medications  

o   Access to Health Canada medication related information (http://www.hc-c.gc.ca/english/product.htm)

o   Health Canada drug product database  (http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpb-dgps/therapeut/htmleng/dpd.html

o   What's this pill for again?

(http://www.50Plus.com)

• A combination of medication and therapy
• Coping with anxiety

o   Simple things you can do to control stress (http://stress.about.com/library/weekly/aa112600a.htm)

• Supporting someone with anxiety

 

Helpful Resources

Self-assessment questionnaire

(http://www.anxieties.com/self.php)

Anxiety Disorders Association of Manitoba (ADAM)

(http://www.adam.mb.ca/about.html)

This article is not intended to replace professional consultation. Please see your doctor for all medical concerns.

For more information or to arrange an appointment

for confidential counselling, contact FGIworld,

your EAP/EFAP provider, (24 hours-a-day/7days-a-week) at:

1-800-268-5211 (English) 1-800-363-3872 (en français)