Flight or Flow

"We experience moments absolutely free from worry. These brief respites are called panic." - Cullen Hightower

Recently I was using a bank ATM machine to withdraw cash. My wife and I have eight grown children but anyone with children understands the family cash system. So this particular morning I was now in need of cash having just given up the contents of my billfold.

It was very early in the morning and on my way to work when ATM machine reported it was unable to process my request. So to another bank ATM I went and the same thing. Concern started to creep in so to a third bank I went. That ATM indicated I had already made the maximum withdrawals for the day.

I had what?

It was 6:00am and no money had been exchanged yet between the ATM and myself. The concern was now turning into panic. Had my bank account been hacked into? Was there any money left at all? I know these feelings all too well as I had been the victim of identity theft some years ago.

In that previous incident, my bank accounts were emptied a couple of days before Christmas. A sinking feeling then and the same thing felt like it was happening all over again. I rushed to get online with my bank to check on the accounts. I would not say that complete dread had set in, but I was deliberate with purpose to find out what happened.

All of us experience moments completely free from worry.

During those moments when panic is trying to take over our life, most likely your heart is pounding and you feel sweaty, weak, faint, or dizzy. Your hands may tingle or feel numb and you might feel flushed or chilled. You might have nausea, chest pain or smothering sensations, sense of unreality, fear of impending doom or loss of control.

No doubt you are sensing a panic attack.

When you feel panic coming on; remind yourself repeatedly until you can really accept your panic attack is a natural emergency response and you will not turn in to a shaky, flaky weakling who is about to pass out any minute. Your whole system is in high gear. You are actually stronger, faster, and quicker.

Believe it.

Constantly repeat to yourself that panic symptoms no doubt are unpleasant, but they are not dangerous. Also know that just as you have a natural "emergency response", so you have a natural "calming response." You can learn to calm yourself out of a panic attack.

Do not "fight" with the symptoms of a panic attack. Try to "flow" with the symptoms and allow yourself to become calm. Learn a relaxation technique and practice it daily at least two or three times for 15 to 20 minutes each time. This will prepare you for any future feelings of panic.

If you feel the panic is uncontrollable, consult your doctor.

As for me, I had to calmly wait for my bank to open up. I worked out the issue that was a bank computer glitch. All was well and my panic had turned into relief. My level of panic was frustrating but other forms of panic can have a debilitating effect on you.

Work to control anxiety and panic in your life. Doing so will improve the life you live.

And stay inspired my friends.

A Brighter View Of Life

“When you are joyful, when you say yes to life and have fun and project positivity all around you, you become a sun in the center of every constellation, and people want to be near you.” ― Shannon L. Alder

The following video will have different meanings to different people. It is not meant as a cruel thought or taking light of any serious issue you might be confronting.

It is intended to make you think about the good things in your life.

Your life matters to those around you and there will always be a shining light of goodness from your part in it. Do not be hard on yourself, do not think your life has been a collection of just bad things.

Our lives are filled with many good things.

So always look on the bright side of your life. Everyone else does!

 

Stay inspired my friends!

Remove the Moth

"We are not interested in the possibilities of defeat. They do not exist."
- Queen Victoria

On September 9, 1945 faculty members at the Harvard Computation Laboratory were attempting to trace an error in the Mark II Computer. This new computer was being constructed with high-speed electromagnetic relays instead of electro-mechanical counters used in an earlier version. Thus making it faster than its predecessor.

Moore's Law for computers was very much in its infancy.

The error was elusive until they traced it to a moth trapped in one of the relays. This is where people first coined the term "bug." It is better known today as a "software bug." This bug was carefully removed and taped to their log book and now you know.

An amusing story but an eye opening one which shows that people were persistent in their quest to build faster and more powerful computers. Their vision was not deterred by a single moth frustrating their efforts. These folks were not going to be defeated.

The possibility of defeat should not be your first thought.

The possibility of achievement should be your path in all that you do. To chose a path of defeat as your first step only creates a wall. A wall that you must first climb, tear down or walk around. It is an obstacle that you self-create and only makes the journey that much harder.

Believe in the vision or goal from the beginning and see that the start of your journey is possible. Than start moving. Should a moth get in the way, remove it and move on.

Stay inspired my friends!

Salt Of The Earth

"Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all." - Nelson Mandela

Have you ever taken a moment to think about the effect you have upon others?

Look around and see if your kids are emulating the way you handle situations or react to different situations. What about your co-workers, do they hide when you pass through a room or seek you out?

What have we done to or for others in our life?

The influence you have upon others is much like the salt which seasons the food we eat. It changes and brings flavor into the lives of people. A small sprinkle has an effect upon the meat. Any amount of salt will change the resulting flavor.

One can not eliminate the influence by using less salt.

Every ray of sunshine adds to the warmth of the sun as do the small things you do. Many believe it takes large acts of kindness to impact another persons life. But it really comes from the little things we do that impact another persons life in a positive way.

All it takes is a dash of salt.

Stay inspired my friends!