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About the author: Cathy Kolodziej, M.Ed, LPC, CSC, LCDC, NCC Clinical Director – Solutions Behavioral Health Cathy Kolodziej received her Masters degree in counseling from Tarleton State University in 2011. She is a member of the Alpha Chi Honor Society. Her work experience includes 30+ years as a teacher and counselor in public schools and three years working with incarcerated men in the Texas Department of Corrections. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and the Clinical Director at Solutions Behavioral Health. Cathy joined the team in August of 2014 as a therapist and became the Clinical Director in 2016. She is passionate about helping others discover their inner strength in order to achieve a better quality of life.
22 Our Hometowns | Volume 2 Issue 1
inston Churchill once said, “Your day will go the way the corners of your mouth turn.” I read that recently on a day when I really needed the reminder. Who am I kidding? I have needed that reminder on many days over the last few months. There are SO many opportunities for negative thinking surrounding us, but it is all about our mindset. We control our mindset 100% of the time. There are many influences, but WE are in control of it. Our emotions, our thoughts, our perceptions, our reactions…all of it. It is all up to us. I would like to suggest some “simple” rules to keep in mind when struggling with attitude. (I say “simple” with tongue in cheek because I struggle daily to practice these skills as well.) 1. Remember that your attitude is up to you. No matter where you are. No matter what is happening around you. Your perception of the reality around you and your attitude towards it are up to you. Two people can view the same incident and come away with a totally different perception of what has occurred. That does not make either of them wrong. Your perception is your reality so examine it carefully for accuracy. 2. Remember not to allow yourself to get sucked into believing that because bad things have happened to you that you have license to perpetuate bad behavior or negative thinking patterns. Bad things happen to good people every day. You are responsible for your reaction. You are responsible for reframing your negative thoughts. To reframe something is to look at it with a different perspective. When you perceive a threat your “fight or flight” kicks in and increases stress levels. Try to notice your thoughts and then challenge your thoughts. Be as accurate as possible and replace your negative thoughts with more positive ones. It takes practice, but it can become a habit with work. 3. Remember that you are responsible for your own self -care. Do frequent self -checks on your attitude and frame of mind. Get yourself re-centered when necessary. Control who your “people” are and set personal boundaries. 4. Remember to resist outside negativity. It will come at you from all angles. It will even sometimes come from friends and family. You cannot rid your life completely of negative influences, but you CAN control how you let them influence your thoughts. 5. Remember that you are in charge of your emotions. I would encourage you not to give negative influences power over you. You are human. You will, by your very nature, experience a range of emotions and that is okay. Just don’t allow yourself to get stuck in the mire of negativity. Work your way through it. Do not wallow. Take charge of your thoughts and your attitude. “Watch your thoughts for they become your words. Watch your words for they become your actions. Watch your actions for they become your habits. Watch your habits for they become your character. Watch your character for it becomes your destiny.” Lao Tzu You cannot save the world if you don’t put the oxygen mask on yourself first.
