My eight summer issues to face, and a plan I got from the internet.

[oak]

Hi friends!

This summer I'd like to post about seven issues I've identified.

Here is the internet resource I've chosen as a scaffolding, a "Problem Solving Packet" pdf, from the fine site Therapist's Aid:

https://www.therapistaid.com/therapy-worksheets/goals/none

I've printed a packet for each of the following:

1. Not earning enough, can't continue commuting*.
2. Not dating*.
3. I am overweight.
4. My apartment is messy.
5. I am bad at barre.
6. I am arriving late at work.
7. I am getting hungry at work in the afteroon.

While all require diligent attention, those marked with an asterisk (*) are real mishegas, let me tell you.

More updates soon. Thanks for listening!

Edit to add:

I just added an eighth issue: sleep hygiene.

Yikes!

[manuel_moe_g]

Hello Oak,

I endorse everything you do, positive-change-wise, but I wonder if you might benefit from using somatic therapy tools too

https://brickelandassociates.com/bottom-up-approach-to-trauma/

In my own therapy, I am working on being more productive, and what I feel is mainly stopping me is blocks from my deep subconscious mind, a place that is closely linked to actual feelings inside my body

My therapist is comfortable with using a mix of therapeutic modalities, so I am working on my problems consciously, subconsciously, and also working on bringing both into alignment

Would I say that it working? It is challenging because I think I am on the ADHD spectrum and thus I can’t rely on the executive function part of my brain. But I think the approach we are trying (working on my problems consciously, subconsciously, and also working on bringing both into alignment) is my best bet

[oak]

Manuel Moe, hello and thank you for your reply.

I like the link you were kind enough to send me. I’ll bring this to my counselor next week.

Feel free to share any other thoughts/suggestions that come to mind.

[manuel_moe_g]

Also nervous system regulation

https://www.othership.us/resources/deep-breathing-the-parasympathetic-nervous-system-the-connection

[manuel_moe_g]

I would continue with top-down and augment with bottom-up, attack the issues from all sides

[Mental Fairy]

wow, i have had a look at this link also and very much going to look into it further MM.

[oak]

I would continue with top-down and augment with bottom-up, attack the issues from all sides

Manuel Moe, I've decided to effect your suggestion on the "get good at barre" goal.

I'll read more about said plan, see if I can get some quick victories (however small) early this weekend, and report back late this weekend.

Friends, I am open to suggestions for other methods/modalities for the above goals of:

Implementing a Mediterranean Diet (revised goal #3,)
Cleaning my apartment (#4)
Arriving at work on time or a few minutes early (#6)
Meal prep/healthy-ish snacks (#7)
Sleep hygiene (#8)

Feel free to choose any goal and pair it with any effective modality, and I promise to give it a good try.

Don't hesitate to make suggestions

[manuel_moe_g]

One thing I do is I imagine throwing myself into the task with great intensity, then in the imagined scenario I mentally scan my body for where I really feel the resistance in my body, and exactly how that resistance feels

[Mental Fairy]

That’s interesting MM.
I’m much the same, as I progressed through the task I become more relaxed, but it takes a while. When it comes to cleaning I find a good podcast or music and tackle one room at a time. Plus I’m sensitive to smell so everything I clean with smells good, then I feel better!

[oak]

When it comes to cleaning I find a good podcast or music and tackle one room at a time. Plus I’m sensitive to smell so everything I clean with smells good, then I feel better!

Mental Fairy, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, so for four of my main apartment cleaning areas, I’ll prepare a unique music-genre-and-cleaning-scent for each. I’ll report soon!

Friends!

I had hopes to get quite a bit accomplished today, Saturday, for the above.

It turns out I am tired and crabby.

In these situations I’ve found it very helpful to lower my expectations.

I have barre tomorrow, so I’ll be shaved and cleaned up then. For today, there will be no laundry or cleaning done. Just homemade tacos, some pop, and video games.