This Helps Me Sometimes... Another Visualization

[EloiseLandau]

I remember reading about coyotes and horses. When coyotes hunt a horse, the horse tries to run away, usually. But when the horse is injured, it knows it won't be able to run. So instead, it does something totally opposite: it plows into its attacker. It runs INTO the pain. It risks more pain and minor injury so it can free itself of its pursuers, and yes, it's a tactic that hurts, because it's going INTO pain, but the alternative is being nipped to death by its pursuers.

I try to think of my issues as a coyote pack, banding together to hunt my horses, and if I run, they will just keep chasing me. If I turn and hit them, I've dealt THEM a blow, and that coyote will be hurt or crippled or even made docile as a result.

 

[intothelight]

Hi Eloise,

That is a very good analogy. We all have to eventually stop running and turn and face the fear, memories, demons, or what ever they are for each of us individually. The thing that is helping me the most is learning to put the past into perspective.

1. I recognize it is a past event. It is over. (Not applicable to someone who is still in an abusive situation)
2. I try to identify exactly what is carrying over and affecting me in the present.
3. I write down what that fear or emotion is and then analyze it to see if it has any relevance or is perhaps blown out of proportion. ( Identifying distorted thinking on my part.)
4. Then I rewrite what I believe the appropriate response should be and make this my mantra for the moment, hour, or day, or what ever length of time it takes to put it into a healthy perspective and keep it there.

Usually, what I turn and confront I believe is a lion turns out to be no more than a mouse in the present. The hardest part is facing it. I am glad you found a tool that helps you. Keep working and it does get better.

Debbie

 

[Srain]

I like this very much!

Thank you for sharing.

 

[EloiseLandau]

Thanks intothelight.... that's another good exercise.
srain: if either things help, have at it! :) If you have your own ideas, please feel free to share

 

[Deleted member 12723]

]

This is very good. I liked how you marked it off as components of a whole. I had to write this down. I wanted to be able to use this in my day to day life. Thanks for taking the time to write this down. It does help to get the faulty thinking out in the open where it can be dealt with. I hope after using this with practice it will get easier.

 

[EloiseLandau]

I hope it helps you gizmo... :)