How To Let Go Of Control

I get it. You had a bad day yesterday and you said some things to your partner that you really regret. Or maybe you're financial situation isn't great and you're wondering if you will get a call for that job interview. Either way, you are constantly living in the past or the future.

Most people are like this and that's perfectly natural. Actually, it can be beneficial! Thinking about the past can help us learn while thinking about the future can help us prepare. The problem is when we are living more in the past or the future and less in the present moment.

The reality is that we are going to make mistakes and there is always an element of uncertainty with regards to the future. That is life. But if you want to really live and enjoy life, you need to let go and enjoy the ride.

I'm telling you to let go as if it's that simple. It takes a lot of work. Fortunately, I have some tips that might be useful.

1. Bring yourself back to the present moment

When you find yourself thinking about the past or future, come to the present moment. You can do this by consciously putting all your attention on what you are doing; you can close your eyes and listen to your breath; you can also try really observing your surroundings.

If you make this a daily practice, it will eventually become second nature. You will find yourself living more and more in the present moment each day.

2. What you're worried about is not the end of the world

When we are anxious about the future, it's probably because we are in resistance to a potential outcome. But 95% (if not more) of what we worry about never actually happen. Also, would such an outcome really be that awful? You're not going to die if you fail a test and your life will go on if you do not get the job.

3. Find a hobby

Better yet, find a passion. Something that you can put 100% of your time and energy in. This will help you get your mind out of the past and future and into the now.

4. The Universe works in your favor when you allow

You attract what you are, not what you want. If you are worried, anxious and uncomfortable about the unknown, you will attract more of this into your life. Tell the Universe that you allow whatever might be and that you are competent enough to handle any outcome thrown your way. If you can do this, you will find you are attracting more positivity in your life. And when "bad" things happen, you will handle them with grace. Not only that, you will be able to see these negative situations as a learning opportunity or as "meant to be".

5. Follow a spiritual path

What's spiritual for me may be different than what's spiritual for you. And I'm certainly not trying to be pushy. But a huge part of spirituality is learning to be mindful, accepting and in the present moment. It has really helped me learn to let go of my need to be in control. I feel less anxious and happier.

You can start by reading a book or watching a documentary on spirituality or trying out yoga or breathing techniques. It can be as fast or as slow of a progress as you like. Either way, I guarantee you will reap benefits.

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How To Get The Body Of Your Dreams | Feature The Law Of Attraction

Do you have repetitive, distressing thoughts? Read this.

There you are. Minding your own business when a thought pops into your head. It could be anything. Then suddenly, a feeling of dread comes over you. The thought is ridiculous. You know that. But it will not leave you. For as long as I can remember, I had these crazy fear-inducing thoughts. They would never leave me! And when it finally did, another thought replaced it.

I remember feeling miserable in high school. I lost interest in just about everything. I felt little joy during Christmas or during other exciting times. I had a tightness in my chest and I remember going home from school with panic attacks. I believe I started to feel depressed.

I always hoped that this was a phase and that when I become an adult, it would go away. Well, in my early 20s these distressing thoughts still raced through my mind. Coincidentally, I majored in Psychology. And I do believe in every way that it was meant to be. I remember studying Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). A certain component of the disorder caught my attention. OCD may be characterized by intrusive, obsessive, and often disturbing thoughts.

I could write a book about my experiences and the sequence of events that helped me gain control of thoughts. Instead, I have complied a list of what helped bring me back to reality.

1. OCD is a mental illness

There is nothing actually wrong with you for having distressing thoughts. Just because you thought of your spouse getting into a car accident does not mean you want them to die. Understanding that this is a disorder helped me so much.

2. Acceptance

This one was scary for me. Let's say you're worried you have a terminal illness and you have 6 months left to live. Accept it. I would tell myself that whatever will be, will be and I will deal with it when (or if) it ever happens. Spoiler alert: it never happened.

3. The majority of what you dwell on don't actually happen.

Just know that not one of my obsessive thoughts ever became a reality. And 90 odd percent of obsessive thoughts do not become a reality.

4. Everyone's brains are weird

Everyone in the world has had weird thoughts pop in their head. You are not alone. But people with obsessive-compulsive tendencies will dwell on these thoughts. But your thoughts does not equate with reality. They... are... just... thoughts.

5. Talk to a professional

I know, it's awkward, "Hey doc. So, I had a thought of a baby's butt and now I'm worried I'm a pedophile". But talking to someone who understands may be the best thing that ever happened to you. I wish I had seen a professional. I could have put all this in the past a long time ago.

6. Your brain is like a muscle

Spend too much time fixated on a thought, and that thought will become stronger than even. This goes for recovery as well. Breaking bad habits takes time so don't expect a complete change overnight. Keep practicing and eventually you will be able to control your thoughts and anxiety.

Becoming worry-free was so surreal. I took on new interests and hobbies and excelled in school. Something I didn't do before because my thoughts would distract and drain me.

Do I still have OCD? No, I don’t think so. Thoughts and anxiety no longer negatively affect my daily life. Do I still have obsessive-compulsive tendencies? I do. But the more time that passes, the stronger I become.

I can't wait for you experience that moment when you realize you are finally on your way to becoming worry-free. And I hope this is the beginning for you, if you haven't started already. And when feel yourself sink back into your thoughts, I hope you remember something  I said and brings you back to reality. Back to living and just being happy.  

Angie