What are your triggers?

I grew up in Washington state on a dairy farm, and for me Christmas time is rain. I’ve lived in Utah for over 30 years which is longer than I lived in Washington. However, whenever it rains, I think of Christmas. I guess you could say rain is a trigger for me. What are your triggers? What brings memories, emotions, and states of being to the front of your mind?

There is a shampoo; I don’t recall the name right now, but every time I smell it, I’m back in basic training. I use instrumental music and candles to help me focus on writing. I use the snoopy dance to anchor in wins. I use Eye of the Tiger to motivate me and keep me moving forward.

When I want to change my mental state, I change my physical state. It works but, I’m sure you already knew that. My question is, how to I become aware more quickly of my need to change?

I’m sick right now. I have a sore throat, cough, runny nose that kind of thing. I haven’t been sick for almost two years. The last time was January 2013. I use to get sick a lot. Then a very dear friend told me that sickness can start as a mental thing. He was never sick so, I paid attention– after I told him he was crazy!

I think that the immune system starts with a healthy and strong mind. I had feelings of overwhelm, fear, and loss last week so I think that part of the reason I am sick now. We are constantly surrounded by germs. There is no way to get away from them. I don’t mean to scare you if you are afraid of these kinds of things. I’m just stating the facts. So, if we are immersed in bacteria all the time, why aren’t we sick all the time? I believe it has to do with the mind and our triggers.

I need to be aware of the negative so I can deal with it. I need to focus on the positive so I keep moving toward my dreams. I need to be aware of mental drain and rejuvenate myself. I know I need to take time for myself. I need to check in and take care of me first so I can take care of others. Sometimes I lose sight of the forest for the trees.

The first step is to change awareness, and I just made myself aware. I will also ask for support from those closest to me. My taking care of myself gives them permission to take care of themselves. I’m human, and I made some mistakes last week. The best thing for me to do is learn from them so I don’t repeat them and keep moving forward. Measure, monitor, and adjust so I don’t beat myself up over mistakes anymore.

The best thing is to learn from others so you don’t have to make the mistake. I hope you have learned from me this week and have found value in my mistake.

Stay healthy and strong. Keep moving forward. Enjoy life. Be blessed.

Take care for now,