cal activity , reading , time with friends , or anything that allows us to relax and unwind without having to be “ ON ” all the time .
Challenge your irrational ( wishful ) thinking . Positive aspects of your life typically don ’ t “ just happen ”. I ’ ve heard it said that we are the sum of the choices we make . You have to make choices that reflect what you want to accomplish , whether it is healthier relationships , a better job or improved physical , mental or spiritual health – you have to make daily decisions that support your goals . Hoping things will get better without effort on your part is simply wishful thinking .
Challenge old habits . Old habits can be like an anchor holding us back . These can be habits in our eating , the way we think or speak , in relationships , or simply our daily routines . They become the “ path of least resistance ” because it is what we are used to and we can follow them without any significant effort or thought . When we are not intentional about making change , our old habits will always dominate . If you are unhappy with an area of your life , you have to take control one small decision at a time until those small decisions become your new habits .
You have the ability to take back control of your life , set limits on the demands you accept from others , and prioritize taking care of yourself so that you are at your best . It all comes down to the very next decision you make , then the one after that . When you string together enough positive choices , you will create a new path that leads you to becoming the kind of person , and living the kind of life , that you want .
Larry Deavers is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker & Executive Director of Family Counseling Service of West Alabama . Learn more at www . CounselingService . org .
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