Yesterday, during a therapy session. I wrote this on my office whiteboard:
I wrote that for somebody who’s been having some very painful and stubbornly unshakable worries about the future. Recognizing that as a helpful antidote for the cognitive distortion of catastrophizing, she took a picture of it, so she could look at it whenever the negative, frightening thinking came back.
As you can see, I took a picture of it also, to help with my own automatic, fortune-telling thoughts.
I think that picture has been working, because I do believe that I’m going to be okay … today, tomorrow, and the next day.
Do you believe that, now, for yourself?
Here are some other things I believe that helped me (and perhaps others) to be okay, yesterday:
Okay! I do love adventure, but I don’t think I should howl at this particular moment. I believe that howling is okay, but it’s extremely early in the morning, right now.
Believe that I’m going to be okay today at a conference on medical practice innovation in Boston (and afterwards, at one of my therapy groups at work).
Before I leave, is it okay if I share some “Believe that you’re going to be okay” music?
I believe that you’re going to be okay with one of these “Believe” songs.
“I’m a Believer,” performed by the Monkees:
“Reason to Believe” by Bruce Springsteen:
I believe this is the last song it’s okay to post: “I Believe in You” from the musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying starring Robert Morse (who I believe that you’re going to know from “Mad Men”):
Believe that I’m going to be okay if you suggest another song (or express anything you believe is going to be okay, in a comment).
Believable thanks to everybody who helped me create this okay post and to you — of course! — for believing enough to visit here, today.
The Year(s) of Living Non-Judgmentally 
I found this extremely helpful – thank you.
I am so glad, Julie. I believe in you.
Having lost two adult children over the last 3 years, the loss is hardly bearable, yet we both are alive and living the best we can. We have each other and still laugh at times, not as often as before but we do.
We both write words down and that is our sole therapy. We too believe we will survive and keep going forwards.
Bless you both. We all have to be okay, because in the end that’s all we have.
I believe in your kindness, Claudia.
Thank you Ann. I want to save your photo of that board to my phone but somehow it doesn’t want to be saved here. Perhaps I’ll try it from the desktop computer at work and then email it to myself, if I have your permission?
I believe I would be honored if you use that photo, Janey. You are welcome and thanks to you.
: )
Some losses are unbelievable. Gerard,
I appreciate your comment, more than I can express.
Thank you and I appreciate your kind words Ann.
Gerard, I hope you see my reply. I wanted to let you know how much I value you as a reader and how much I appreciate this comment.
Great post. Don’t stop believin’
I won’t stop believin’. Thanks, Alex.
“Do You Believe in Magic?” I do. Thanks, Ann. ☺ Van (living life off leash)
I believe in magic too, Van. Many thanks for this magical comment.
Yep..that’s the one. I loved that spoonful. Thanks for digging up the link. I’m singing along..no doubt waking up my family. ☺
Believe that your family is going to be okay with your singing!
Now…that would be magic ! Have a great, magical day, Miss Ann. ❤️
“I Believe Our Time is Gonna’ Come”..REO Speedwagon…..Have a Great Day!
Thanks for making my day better, Ray, with your musical suggestion and your visit.
Almost one year ago my wife and I were driving home when she got a phone call from my doctor. When she hung up she told me I’d been diagnosed with testicular cancer. And my first thought was, “Oh, thank goodness. I thought something was wrong with one of our dogs.”
I believed everything was going to be all right, and so far I’ve been right. And I believe everything will be all right for all of us.
Thank you. And now it’s time to howl.
Christopher! Your wife must have absolute faith in your driving, to give you need like that while you are at the wheel. That says a lot about you.
Oh, I should have clarified that she was at the wheel. My doctor also would have preferred to break the news personally rather than over the phone, but believed I had a blood clot in my leg and that I needed to get to the emergency room as soon as possible.
More than ever, Christopher, I believe that everything is all right with you.
I’m okay even when things turn a bit rough. They never last..
Sometimes they last for years but eventually they pass..
I believe, with you, that yes, even this too will pass. Many thanks.
Ann… I believe, I believe, I believe in you.
I also believe some of those cats may be clones.
I believe you are very insightful and observant, Maureen.
I think Tim Hardin wrote “Reason to Believe.” and the best all-time version of it, now lost forever except to memory, was done by Phil Ochs. I’m sure The Boss does a nice job too. Hard to mess up a song like that.
And yes, you’re gonna be OK!
I always believe you, Marcia!!!!
I’m a believer in the power of your posts Ann. Always subtle, yet so powerful.
I believe your comment made me powerfully happy, Lisa.
Every day was the power to be okay. Okay can happen just minute to minute. Definitely a good exercise in grounding.
I loved the minute when I read this comment, Jay.
I believe I really liked ‘I’m a believer’ – okay?
I believe this is off the leash, Derrick.
I agree Ann, one has to believe, it’s similar to faith but “belief” is more proactive I suppose. Thanks for all these beautiful lessons.
I agree and believe in you, Maria. Thanks for all your beautiful comments.
Another great post, Ann. I remember my dad using this acronym, may he rest in peace, something he heard an LA radio talk show guy say a lot, EGBOK, “Everything’s Gonna Be OK.” And then there’s that pithy turn from AA, “Don’t live in the wreckage of the future.” I use that one a lot with my clients!
I believe this comment has many gifts, Sonnische. Thank you!
Ann, you’re more than OK, you’re A-OK in my books! ❤
Diana xo
I believe you are more than okay too, Diana!! ❤ xoxo
You’re OK, I’m OK. I believe it, Ann. Call me or email me after your busy stretch is over about next Saturday, and we’ll be hunky-dory. 🙂
I believe we’re going to be okay, Mark!
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