STOP
how to disarm a highly emotional episode in 12 steps:
S
1. SELF-CARE soothe yourself in healthy ways
2. STILLNESS breathe to retain inner calm
3. STRENGTHS identify the various ways you've been strong in the past
T
4. THOUGHTS reframe self-defeating beliefs into self-affirming ones
5. TRUTH adhere to an honest and realistic view of your circumstances
6. TRUST rely on your integrity and ability to see you through
O
7. OBSERVATION notice details and nuances, strive for mindful awareness
8. OPENNESS attend to your inner feelings without judgment
9. OWNERSHIP become the master of your thoughts, actions, life
P
10. POTENTIAL allow solutions to develop, imagine what is possible
11. PROGRESS initiate the necessary next steps, recognize and reward small successes
12. PRODUCTIVITY encourage forward movement and resolution
i'm a reactor by nature. but i have personally used this method. very recently, in fact. while navigating the ever-changing needs of an aging parent.
it works.
so the next time you're confronted with a stressful event . . .
S.T.O.P.
work through the 12 steps in your mind or on paper. defuse the difficulty and regain your momentum.
S = Self-care. Stillness. Strengths.
soothe. breathe. identify.
T = Thoughts. Truth. Trust.
reframe. adhere. rely.
O = Observation. Openness. Ownership.
notice. attend. become.
P = Potential. Progress. Productivity.
allow. initiate. encourage.
let me know in the comments below if you try it. and, of course, share your results as well.
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