Tips From the Survival Kit and Gain Independence with Confidence Now!

What ever is your problem, there is only one thing that is required...
your Desire to Overcome It and to Do It!
An Affirmation a Day Keeps the Negatives Away!
"Driving through my fear is easier than thinking about it"
"All my problems are gifts to learn by" (I have enough gifts already)
"I'm putting Fun back into dysfunction."

Do you fit any of these personality characteristics?

* Do you have a higher than average intelligence?
* Are you very hard on yourself?
* Are you a compulsive personality?
* Are you a perfectionist?

If you answer yes to most of these questions, you could be having higher levels of stress, anxiety, fears and a lower self-esteem than you deserve. You are not alone! Most people that I have seen exhibit these characteristics. Sometimes I wonder if ignorance isn't bliss. There wouldn't be so much to remember or to forget!

Food For Thought: Most doctors and therapists are not aware of the importance of the role diet, nutrition and habits play on our lives. The choices we make in these areas greatly affect us. People that have a lot of anxiety, fears and stress have to be especially careful what they eat and drink. Start to gradually eliminate: all caffeine, coffee, (including decaf) sodas, (including diet), chocolate, sugar and white flour. These foods can greatly amplify your anxieties. Aspirin, aspartame, MSG and vinegar can cause extreme edginess and allergic reactions. Alcohol causes depression, with it's sugar and lactate acid. With smoking, you think you're relaxing by inhaling a deep breath, but you're taking in toxic carbon dioxide, among other things. For people who suffer Anxiety Disorders, to make these choices, is like giving cigarettes to those with lung cancer or candy to diabetics!

Begin your "road to recovery" by getting a complete physical, including a full blood test. Some people that have Anxiety Disorders may have physical problems such as hypoglycemia, inner ear problems, (which can disrupt their sense of balance) or Mitral Valve Prolapse. Clarify questions you have with your doctor about any medications (over the counter, or not) that you may be taking. It may not all be "in your head". See a nutrionist, exercise regularly, take multiple B and C vitamins watch your weight and drink plenty of water. Substitute healthy food choices and thoughts. I know that it is difficult to do all these things at once. Give yourself every chance to live a better, fuller, happier life. You Deserve It!.

BNT NOW (Be in the Now)

The most anxiety and stress comes from either thinking too much about the past ("What you should have done") or obsessing about the future ("What if this happens? What if that happens?")

I call this "whatifitis." We all need to learn to stay in the now. What happened a second ago is gone; what could happen a second from now, may never happen. All we ever have control of is now -- this moment. When you focus on your breathing you can't help but stay in the now. You're doing that every second you are alive but unaware of it, until you stop doing it. The greatest stress the body gets is not receiving enough oxygen when it needs it the most! (when you are under stress)

It's important for you to feel good before and after you drive.
Here's a ritual for you to follow (with the engine off): ( directions come with the audios)

(These are some of the directions that come with the CD's/tapes and should
be done with soothing, relaxing music).
o Close your eyes, focus on your breathing, from your diaphragm: In your nose on 6, hold a second, out your mouth on 8. You're breathing in the oxygen (that you need to live) and breathing out the carbon dioxide (which is toxic). . . breathing in the positive and breathing out the negative...breathing in the comfort breathing out the discomfort...breathing in the confidence, breathing out the fear.

o Visualize your special, safe, calm, relaxing, peaceful. place. Breath and smell the clear air trees, flowers. Feel and hear the wind, water and the ground beneath you. See the different colors around you, the sky above with the beautiful horizon. What are you doing and wearing? What is the weather like?
o Imagine a white light of energy inside of you, it feels warm and nurturing, now it's expanding around you and around the car for protection. (This has been done for thousands of years, when people traveled to different places to insure their safe journey.)

Now say these affirmations:

I now have the white light around me and the car for protection."
"I will only be given today what I can handle."
"Whatever I do, I'll do the best I can."
"Let my energy flow for it's highest good. Thank you (to your higher self.)"

Finish with taking a few more breaths, in your nose on 6 and out your mouth on 8 and say:
"When I open my eyes, I'll be more relaxed and alert, and feel that way more while I am driving." (or after you drove)
Any of these affirmations can be used for other than just driving, i.e. starting or ending your day.
(photos by Sy Cohn)
Remember:
o Be easier on yourself. Don't take life so serious,

o because you won't get out of it alive. BNT NOW (Be in the NOW)
o Breath and monitor yourself from 1-10
o Have a survival kit (make your car a friendly place)
o THERE IS HELP! Thank you for your attention.

Call, write, or join our email "Driver Support Group", anytime.
I'm At Your Service.
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