Don't Panic - Melody Beattie

[clean42day]

Panic 9 June

Don't panic!

If a swimmer was crossing a great lake, then suddenly focused too
heavily on the distance remaining, he might start to flounder and go
under, not because he couldn't swim, but because he became overwhelmed
by panic.

Panic, not the task, is the enemy.

Many of us have moments when we feel crowded and overwhelmed. We have
times when we feel like we cannot possibly accomplish all that needs to
be done.

We may be facing a task at work, an improvement in ourselves, or change
in our family life.

For a moment, it is helpful to look forward and envision the project. It
is normal, when we look ahead at what needs to be done, to have moments
of panic. Feel the fear, then let it go. Take our eyes off the future
and the enormity of the task. If we have envisioned the goal, it will be
ours. We do not have to do everything today, or at once.

Focus on today. Focus on the belief that all is well. All we need to do
to reach our goal is to focus on what presents itself naturally, and in
an orderly way, to us today. We shall be empowered to accomplish,
peacefully, what we need to get where we want to be tomorrow.

Panic will stop this process. Trust and guided action will further it.
Breathe deeply. Get peaceful. Trust. Act as guided, today.

We can get back on track by treading water until we regain our
composure. Once we feel peaceful, we can begin swimming again, with
confidence. Keep the focus simple, on one stroke, one movement at a
time. If we can make one movement, we have progressed. If we get tired,
we can float, but only if we are relaxed. Before we know it, we shall
reach the shore. ...M.B.