Need advice on positive thinking

[Guest guest]

I am a toddler teacher working with a group of 28. All day, I just

think " Oh my God. I can't do this. What am I going to do. etc. etc. "

The negative self-talk is actually worse than the real pain or balance

problems that I am having. The job is great. The pay is amazing

(believe it or not). The benefits are even better and there is LOTS of

time off. Can someone help me with some positive things I can say to

myself throughout the day. It may seem weird, but I think it would

really help.

[Guest guest]

:

Why don't you take a load off and get a motorized chair and use it when you

work. The is no reason to risk a fall and hurt a child or deal with the pain.

I use to work with yound children too and once I realized my body couldn't deal

with the abuse of stiffness and weakness I had to save myself and stop doing

that type of work.

Marin from Bridgeport, CT

Need advice on positive thinking

I am a toddler teacher working with a group of 28. All day, I just

think " Oh my God. I can't do this. What am I going to do. etc. etc. "

The negative self-talk is actually worse than the real pain or balance

problems that I am having. The job is great. The pay is amazing

(believe it or not). The benefits are even better and there is LOTS of

time off. Can someone help me with some positive things I can say to

myself throughout the day. It may seem weird, but I think it would

really help.

[Guest guest]

,

Look up Affirmative Prayer, one example

http://divinescience.com/tools/prayers/prayer_list.htm

or Positive Self Talk

http://stress.about.com/od/optimismspirituality/a/positiveselftak.htm

http://www.healthyhabits.com/SelfTalk.asp

or look into some of Wayne Dyer's articles/thoughts/newsletters

http://www.drwaynedyer.com/

Gretchen

>

> I am a toddler teacher working with a group of 28. All day, I just

> think " Oh my God. I can't do this. What am I going to do. etc. etc. "

> The negative self-talk is actually worse than the real pain or balance

> problems that I am having. The job is great. The pay is amazing

> (believe it or not). The benefits are even better and there is LOTS of

> time off. Can someone help me with some positive things I can say to

> myself throughout the day. It may seem weird, but I think it would

> really help.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

 

Here are some thoughts that might help:

 

1.  Your work is valuable.  The impact you are having on the lives on the

children is significant.  The longer you can keep doing this job, the better for

you and for them.  It's worth the effort to find ways to keep working.  These

children need you!!!

 

2.  There are things you can do to make it easier to get through the day. 

Examples:  Alternate between sitting and standing.  Sit on a chair rather than

the floor.  Don't pick up or carry the children unless urgent, instead, whenever

possible, sit in a chair/couch and let them come to you.  Use a scooter to get

around, go out to the playground, walk to the car, etc, if that makes sense in

your work environment.  Many things are within your control.  If you feel in

control, you will have more strength and endurance.  In addition, every little

bit of energy conservation can help you endure longer. 

 

3.  Don't be afraid to ask for assistance, from coworkers and from your

employer.  There are likely many things your employer can and would do to help

extend your working years. Think about the things that might help you, even a

little bit, and then ask.  (When I was working I asked for many

things...ergonomic chair, wrist supports, earphone, foot stool, and even

asked if they could adjust the front door so I didn't injure my back trying to

open it.  They were very accomodating with all requests.)  Your employer and

others don't know there is a need unless you tell them.  Avoid situations where

you martyr yourself, suffering the pain/fatigue later, when you could have asked

for help.  Don't over-commit.  Parent volunteers may also be willing to help

you!  Giving brings great joy.  Allow others the joy of helping you.

 

4.  Change the subject.  When you find yourself dwelling on thoughts of

self-pity or worrying about 'what might happen' in the future, force yourself to

stop. 'Change the channel', so to speak, redirecting your mind to focus on other

things, even if that means doing some type of busy-work or chore.  If you focus

on the negative, your pain and fatigue will be worse, as you've experienced.  I

really like the article that Gretchen posted on 11/26/08, entitled Pain is in

the Eye of the Beholder.  It relates the scientific evidence proving that if you

focus on something (an injury, for example), the reaction in your body will be

worse, the pain and swelling will be worse...it's not imaginary...it's real

swelling and real pain.  It's a very interesting phenomenon.  I recommend

reading the article, since it can help you gain the mental strength to

refocus...

http://medicalnewsc enter.com/ recent/science- daily-medical- news.shtml

  

5.  Think appreciatively about your life.  When a negative thought arises, block

it and replace it with an appreciative one.  If additional mental strength is

needed to 'change channels', run through a list of the following:  things that

are still in your control, things you are still able to do, why it's important

that you continue doing the work you are doing, how negative thinking will hurt

you, and...ways that you can help someone else.

 

6.  Remember that you aren't alone.  You can always post to the group for

support! 

 

I hope that helps!

 

[Guest guest]

,

I know exactly what you are going through because I am the queen of negative

self talk when I am going through a bad time.

The one thing I have found that helps is to say " Be Quiet " loudly in my head and

if I am alone, I say it outloud. I then go through my head

and say gratitude for anything I can think of.

For example:

I have a job when so many around me do not

I have a husband who loves me

I got out of bed today and was not in pain......................

It also helps to write in a journal every morning or evening to write down your

gratitudes and there is power in writing. This all may sound over simplified,

but it really does work.

The negative mind will affect the body, such as panic attacks, anxiety. Then

when you start the mind on positive thinking, it

takes a little bit of time to get the body to catch up. Try not to think about

what you can't do and look at all the amazing things you do do during the day. I

just put a smile on that child's face; I made an impact on " ny " today; I was

able to walk to the playground today (you get the idea)

Hope this helps, but do know that you are not the only one out there who goes

around with that little devil voice in your head.

The trick is to quiet it down so the positive voice is louder!

Jackie

[Guest guest]

,

I must say that I would be experiencing the same feelings if I

didn't have CMT and I was in your situation..having 28 toddlers looking at me I

will be real scared. I give you kudos just dealing with them, and you must be

doing a great job.

Now I will tell you what my yoga teacher is telling us. Besides taking deep

breaths, try to take 3 short inhales and then exhale with one long exhale. I

practice the breathing myself especially when I find myself in crowded place and

knowing that I will be going up the stairs.

You are doing something that you love so you should be happy and keep

your smile on and don't think negative thoughts.

I wish I had more things to say, but I do hope you do better to

eliminate the negative thoughts.

Spy

[Guest guest]

,

There would be no room for a motorized chair and I am afraid I would

hurt the children with it.

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much everyone! This is really helpful.