much-needed therapy ...

When I think of being 'therapeutic', I picture those movies where people blast some Enya while doing impossible yoga positions. Instead, for this first week of therapeutic Thursdays, I'm going to think about the steps to being in that relaxed state. If you follow me on Twitter, you'll see that my tweets today have been less than positive (pretty much just ranting about university). Whether you're in university, have a job, or just wondering what's next ... the one thing that seems to come to mind are worries.

Well, my advice is:

Forget about it! ... at least for now.

Worrying tends to produce anxiety, negativity, self-criticism, and puts yourself off from making any of your dreams come true. It might be hard to think of any kind of dream or goal coming true -- so many obstacles, so many risks, so much debt or lack of money. It's enough to make you want to rip off all of your fingernails (or whatever bad habit you might have). But try to be a half-cup-full kind of person.**

Society tells us that in order to have any kind of mark on the world, we have to be productive. It turns us into these fast-paced machines that feel like all of our worth comes out of doing something. And then we worry about not doing enough. It's this endless cycle of self-destruction.

Are you a Nietzsche, a Kant, or a Sinatra?

Regardless -- just give yourself time to relax.

We're so hard on ourselves all the time, constantly beating ourselves up for what we can't accomplish -- and sometimes beating ourselves up for things we have accomplished. Instead, just think about your life now. You've gotten to where you are for a reason. You've made a series of choices, and you will continue to. But instead of worrying about it, just focus on the things you want. It will inspire you, it will motivate you. Surround yourself with the people you love. They will comfort you. They will give you hugs when you need them most (except for when you're sick, then they might avoid you like the plague. Sorry).

No matter how busy you are right now -- and you can't be too busy since you're reading this novel  (teehee) -- I want you to just close your eyes, and picture yourself in your ideal place. That place that makes you feel comfy, that makes you feel at home. A place where you can totally be yourself. And your goal? To try to be at that place at least once a month, once a week, even once a day. A place where you can just relax, without worry. A place where it doesn't matter how busy your day might be ... because, at that moment, you're happy.

For some, it could just be lying in bed (I don't blame you!) ...

Or playing/listening to your favourite music at any place ...

 

Maybe it's lying on a comfy couch with your lover ...

Or your favourite pet by your side to comfort you while you watch TV ...

Maybe it could be spending time with friends that mean most to you ...

Or being able to just talk to someone you love ...

Maybe it's anywhere with coffee (mmm) or yummy food ...

Or any place you can curl up with a good book ...

Or maybe it's wandering around a forest in a gorgeous dress with Smurf/Avatar people ...

Umm, I mean, maybe it could be using your imagination! Hehe.

So your 'mission' for today: 

Picture that ideal place.

Tell me what it is in the comments.

And then try to make it happen.

And enjoy some soothing relaxation :)

 In a few days, I'll be asking for questions for next week's Therapeutic Thursdays, so keep those in mind, too! No pressure, though :) Have a beautiful start to your weekend!

** I meant for that to say 'cup-half-full' person ... but it came out this way, and Aubrey liked it, so I am keeping it that way! Haha :)

{All pictures found via Tumblr and Weheartit.com}