PERSONAL TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Take out a notebook.
Use a layout that is comfortable for you.
You can make headers across the top of the page.
You can use key words down the side.
Use a Word Document or a spreadsheet on your computer.
It doesn't matter what style you choose. 

What I want you to do is create a reference guide to get you through the hard times of life.

Write down:
Things that bring you joy.
Things or people that bring you strength.
What brings you happiness.
What makes you feel loved.
Places where you feel safe; the people you feel safe with.
How you feel warm and protected.
What makes you feel ALIVE!

Write down as many categories as you want to and as many things, places, people, or actions you can think of for each category.

End with these last two which may be the most important:
   -  What makes you feel of service- what can 
       YOU do to help - who can YOU help.
   -  What you are grateful for.

My lists are long, but a sampling of mine would be:
My dogs, Gracie and Zenee, bring me joy.
Meditation brings me strength.
My grandchildren bring me happiness.
I feel loved by my husband, kids, grandchildren, friends, and  family.
I feel safe at home in front of the fire drinking coffee and reading.
I feel protected when my husband holds my hand.
I feel ALIVE when I paint, speak, and write.
I can help others by - volunteering at Hospice, watching grand kids, or having coffee with someone who feels alone.
I am grateful for my warm comfortable bed, and the sunrise in the morning.


Now when sadness, grief, illness, loss, depression, loneliness, despair, or whatever feeling or experience visits your life pull out this list.  Zero in on what you need.
Do you need to feel safe after you have a physical injury?
Do you need to feel happy when the emptiness of being alone for a holiday strikes?
Do you need strength to get through a difficult time in your job?
Whatever comes up in your life, you now have a catalog of ideas that you KNOW works for you.
You are prepared.
You are armed with answers and actions to get you through.
​You have your own "Personal Troubleshooting Guide" for YOUR life.

Now, take out that notebook!

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Pennie’s Life Lesson:
“Create a notebook filled with ideas and options to get you through difficult times.  Be prepared!”
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    YOUR TURN...         
My intent in sharing this with you is to encourage you to create a handbook of ideas to help you to help yourself during stressful times. 
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
 [email protected]. 
                              Thank you!  ​​​
Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  And please feel free to email me  at:
                [email protected]. 
                          Thank you!  
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                               All Rights Reserved
                 Copyright © 2013-2020 Pennie Hunt
         This was written and produced by Pennie Hunt.
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