Well hello there! Welcome back to the redefining Bold podcast. You're listening to episode number 33 and I'm your host Gwen Whitfield from theboldabode.com, where I help warm-hearted women take small steps toward positive lasting change!

So, this podcast alllmost didn’t happen.

Last week, we had some winter weather and I felt like I needed a little break.

And I thought, Hey! I’ll get this podcast done on Monday and everything will stay on track.

And then, something happened. I had a really tough day on Friday and then on Saturday, I experienced something that I haven’t experienced in quite a long time.

I had a panic attack.

Now, if you’ve ever had a panic attack, it can feel like the world is ending.

I found myself so filled with emotion and feelings of impending doom, it was literally terrifying.

However, something very exciting happened.

I realized I was starting to have a panic attack. It was as if I stepped outside of my body and could see what was happening.

And I called upon myself in a way that I never have before.

Now, I had actually started writing this episode last Thursday and while I was separating myself from my panic, I remembered what I had written.

I started writing about these things you can say to yourself when you’re having a bad day and found them working for this much more intense situation.

Now, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t seek professional help if you start feeling like this. The first time it happens, it can be very scary.

But I realized what was happening, thankfully and found myself calming myself with these simple phrases.

And here they are:

I’m ok. I’m OK. Even if I don’t feel ok, it’s still ok.
This feeling is just temporary, it will pass and I’ll feel better soon.
I’ve gotten through some hard days and I’ll get through this one too.
It’s Ok to feel how you are feeling.
I’m struggling today and that’s ok.
I’m doing the best I can with what I have.
I’m trying and that’s really, really good.
I can feel better. I will feel better.
I am stronger than I realize.

Honestly, there are so many things you can say to yourself when you are having a bad day… or a panic attack.

Having written these down prior, helped me, I think in that moment. I had the words already formed, on paper. I had good, calming words right at my finger tips.

It was truly a powerful experience.

And something that everyone, even if you’ve never experienced something like a panic attic, it’s something that everyone can benefit from. Writing things down that you think will help you in the midst of difficulty, when you are not in the midst of difficulty.

So, today, sit down for just a minute and write your own list of helpful things. You can rewind this episode and use mine if you want, but making it personal might help you remember them a little bit more easily. More quickly.

I know this episode was short, but it’s oh so powerful of a process.

And I’m in the process of creating something along these lines to help you go even further, so keep an ear out because it should be ready very, very soon!

Thanks so much for listening and I’ll catch you in the next episode!