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Stop That Thought, Part II: Managing Important Worries

DearSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0700

If you worry too much, you're not alone. But it's important to consider what kinds of worries are plaguing you. Some worries are totally unproductive, meaning that thinking about them won't change anything, and I have some tips for banishing those from your brain. But what about things you actually need to worry about, like paying the bills, making travel plans, whatever?

For these concerns, you need to make sure you're worrying at the right time. Fretting about giving a presentation when you're stuck on the train or trying to plan a dinner party when you should be working just makes you more stressed out. You should manage those worries and compartmentalize them so they don't dominate your day. For some coping mechanisms,

Dear Poll: Have You Ever Read a Friend's Diary?

DearSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Since so many of you admitted to snooping, I thought I'd take it one step further. In this crazy world we all live in, it seems that writing in a journal is one of the only times where we can be truly one with our feelings; to write out our deepest and darkest secrets and innermost thoughts. It should go without saying that someones journal or diary is a very private, sacred possession yet so many people jump at the opportunity to turn the pages of someone else's sentiments. I understand that certain desperate situations call for that invasion of privacy, but tell me, have you ever read a friend's diary out of mere curiosity?Source

Dear Poll: Have You Ever Read a Friend's Diary?

I'm guilty of reading a friend's journal and I still feel terrible for it to this day.

No, I've never read anyone's journal simply because I would feel so betrayed if someone did it to me.

Other — Please explain below.

Birthdays: Don't Get Grumpy, Get Thoughtful

DearSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Birthdays can be very public or very personal, depending on how you feel about them. Sure, there is potential for parties, surprises, and presents, but some people would prefer to celebrate silently without being the center of attention.

Whether you're big on birthdays or not, here's an interesting exercise. Every year, devote some time to writing in a journal and reflecting on the past year. Write down new experiences and things you've learned since your last birthday. It could be anything from an eye-opening trip to a funny anecdote or new insight into yourself. Record some favorite moments and reflect on new friends made. Think about what you're thankful for.

When you're done with that, outline what you're looking forward to in the next year. Not only will it make you feel better about turning another year older, but it will also be a valuable and entertaining way to look back on annual milestones.

Do any of you do this or something similar? If not, tell me how you commemorate birthdays below.

Source

Write Down Your New Year's Resolutions in a Journal

DearSugar — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 07:34:21 -0800

If you love to make New Year's Resolutions at the beginning of each year, why not make them seem more real and permanent by writing them down? You can write down your ambitions and dreams and make a to do list for the year. As you accomplish each goal, you can reflect about your experiences in your journal. Here are some of my faves.

Unlock Your Creativity

DearSugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 08:00:00 -0700

I'm sure you've heard that you have two sides to your brain - the left side and the right side. The left side is responsible for thinking, organizing, and remembering while the right side has to do with creativity, imagination, and feelings.

As kids, we used much more of our right side and now that we are adults, we spend a lot of time using the left side. It's necessary and healthy for our spirits to unlock our creative and imaginative side, but the busier we get, the more we really need to set aside time for this type of self-expression.

Being creative usually involves art in someway, but it doesn't have to. Here are some ways to unleash your creative spirit:

Do something artsy like paint, draw, sculpt, sew, or knit.
Work on a scrapbook. There are so many ways you can personalize the pages, and once it's done, you'll have a tangible representation of your feelings and your life. Taking time to honor, record, and remember old memories is powerful. Not only that, but you and others will be able to look back on it and recall all those wonderful feelings again and again.
Write. Put your thoughts on paper in a journal, a letter to an old friend, an email, or a story.
Read. Pick up some fictional stories that allow you to lose yourself completely.
Do creative movement. Take up salsa dance, belly dancing, yoga, or the trapeze.

Want to see some other ideas? Then

Self Help: Keep a Journal

DearSugar — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 08:00:00 -0700

Women spend a lot of time worrying and thinking about things. That's just our nature. If I spend too much time running thoughts or problems over and over in my own head, I get totally stressed out. Plus it clouds my brain and then I can't focus on anything else.

Talking to a trusted friend or a therapist is awesome, but sometimes you just want to get your thoughts out without anyone listening, judging, or offering advice. That's where journal writing comes in.

Click here to

Stress-Relief Kit: How to Worry Better

DearSugar — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 15:00:00 -0700

Worry operates a lot like clutter. It mounts, causes anxiety, gets in our way, and keeps us from getting things done. I don't really believe it's possible to quit worrying, but I do think we can worry better.

Click here to

Which Celebrity Journal Would You Want to Read?

DearSugar — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 08:00:00 -0800

For many of us, a journal becomes a safe and neutral place to really be ourselves and to reveal our most private thoughts. If you were to find a lost journal on the street, which celebrity's most intimate secrets would you want to read about? Whose private life would read like a page-turner for you? Source

Which Celebrity Journal Would You Want to Read?

Gwyneth Paltrow: It's bound to have juicy gossip about her Hollywood exes.

Angelina Jolie: Betrayal, love, passion, humanity. I'd want to find this one!

Winona Ryder: Only if I could know more about Johnny Depp!

Katie Holmes: Might be the only way to get the truth about TomKat!

Sienna Miller: Surely this party girl has some interesting skeletons in her closet.

Other! Please share.