Worried? Anxious? Panicky?

Given that life is full of uncertainty, it is likely that we have all felt this way before. Maybe you are feeling this way at present? We are all likely  to experience these uncomfortable emotions along with a myriad of other feelings as we deal with the stuff of life. 

We were all affected by the Bourke Street rampage. Even though most of us weren't physically present the media ensures that we hear and see much of what has happened leaving little to our imagination. This can be shocking and understandably upsetting. 

Learning of an event from a distance is concerning but actually being present can be even more confronting. Many witnessed, assisted and were adversely affected by injury, trauma, loss and grief that dreadful day. Whether a victim, an observer, a bystander, someone that offered comfort, an emergency services worker, a public figure, a friend or family member of any of these, then you too have experienced and are likely to still be feeling the effect of this shocking event or any other catastrophic event.  

There are many ways that we can help ourselves and others to process and adjust when such unexpected, horrible things happen in life. Many folk were helped by placing a flower at the memorial in Bourke Street, some lit a candle, others said a prayer or simply allowed their tears to flow. Suffering is part of life and we need to allow ourselves to feel and to take the opportunity to process and adjust to our circumstances. 

To alleviate ongoing uncomfortable feelings we can over time (do this alone or with someone or both) 

1. Acknowledge and allow our feelings without judgement 

2. Do something tangible...write, talk, meditate, respond in a healthy way 

3. Choose to focus on the worries that we can control 

We can learn from our uncomfortable feelings and we can learn to manage them. If we don't identify our feelings then they will control us. We don't need to feel out of control or that we are going crazy but we can GoNUTS! In other words we can Notice, Understand and Take responsibility for our feelings. This can bring about Significant change and be empowering..."be you, be relentlessly you" as Lady Gaga expressed recently. So don't hold back from yourself or from others as we're all in this together. 

If you're feeling stuck...

Let's talk!