>>>>> Opening the Door to Happiness<<<<<...Zeplin

I'm not sure if this belongs in this category, so forgive me if it doesnt???

I read this in a magazine from a Psychologist of 20yrs experience and wanted to share it with you.

Many women and men who write to me feel trapped in their own homes because of illness, moving to a new suburb, new parenthood or being caught in an unhappy marriage.

Whatever the specific situation, these women/men are caught in a vicious cycle of reduced social contact - leading to a loss of confidence, feelings of depression and lack of motivation to go out. They believe that nothing they do will ever lead to a positive change in their lives.

Breaking this cycle takes a huge effort. It mens facing up to inner fears, finding lost motivation and learning to believe in one's ability to make a difference.

It also involves working out what is holding one back and mapping a plan for one's life- and the first steps need to be taken TODAY, not TOMORROW.

HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL TIPS:

1...Recognise that your life will only change if you take new actions.

2...Understand the workings of the 'home-alone cycle'. If you make a break at any point in the cycle (for example, go out of the house despite your fears), you will weaken the cycle and strengthen yourself.

3...Look for ways to have contact with people in similar situations or through shared interests, such as support groups, mothers' groups, hobby groups and clubs.

4...Commit to getting out of the house every day and stick to it.

5...There are always options for meeting people - Internet chat rooms,pen pals, visiting a neighbour, local community groups, volunteer work, and long distance education.

6...REMEMBER: small steps lead to bigger steps, but it all begins with the first step. Make it now, and see what awaits you.

My feelings towards this piece of writing is that I can relate to some of the situations listed here and I believe that with following the TIPS we can really do something positive to remedy these situations....And I hope this can help anyone else out there who may be experiencing these kinds of problems....

Luv and Peace....Zema

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