Do you know what a mantra is?
It can be defined as a sound, a series of sounds, a word or series of words that, when used consistently, can bring about a change in your thought process or even your life. That’s my definition, anyway. Another one is that a mantra can keep you sane and comfort you in times of trouble.
I guess another (more accurate) way to describe what I am talking about is affirmations. A mantra is actually something you chant over and over. I don’t do that; I just remind myself of it as often as I need to, so maybe it’s better called an affirmation.
My mom passed away in 2005 and about 8 months later my dad lost his eyesight. A very dear and wise relative reminded me that there is a greater plan and that things happen for a reason. I considered memorizing her speech and having it tattooed somewhere where I could see it, but it was a little lengthy and that didn’t seem like such a good idea.
I distilled it down to “it is what it is” and repeated it every time I got anxious or stressed out or needed some reassurance.
As women with ADHD, we may be prone to depression and/or anxiety and that can make even the simplest things hard for us to handle. I think we tend to go off the deep end at times with no logical reason to do so.
Case in point: this morning I noticed that while my son Andy was home, his car was not.
My reaction? It was stolen, he was in an accident, it broke down, he was carjacked… on and on. I spent a few hours sitting with that one.
The truth? He went out last night, ran into a friend, they decided to go somewhere else and take one car. As I write this, he is on his way with his friend to get his car. No harm, no foul. Just way too many minutes and hours I wasted worrying.
So mantras are my way (once again) to try and drive the anxiety monsters into submission. I think mantras can be a good antidote for all of the negative thoughts that sometimes come with ADHD.
Here are some of my favorites from Stress at About.com :
CHALLENGES HELP ME GROW
I CAN SEE STRESSFUL SITUATIONS AS CHALLENGES
I CAN CHOOSE A POSITIVE FRAME OF MIND
I CAN HANDLE WHATEVER COMES
TODAY HAS LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES
I CAN ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING
I CAN HANDLE WHATEVER COMES
I CAN CREATE INNER PEACE
I AM STRONG
THIS TOO SHALL PASS
TODAY I CHOOSE JOY
I AM DOING MY BEST
I CAN CREATE POSITIVE CHANGE
I CAN STAY CALM UNDER PRESSURE
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