Welcome to the home of CLUB SODA’S COURSES TO CHANGE YOUR DRINKING

Notice it, accept it, let it go

As you are noticing what’s going on in and around you, it helps to name your emotions and thoughts for what they are. Speak them out loud if you can, for example:

  • I am feeling angry about what that person said
  • I am thinking a lot about what will happen tomorrow
  • I am feeling sorry for myself.

Next – and although this seems counterintuitive – you can accept these thoughts and feelings as things that are happening right now. Ironically, you can get tangled in your thoughts and feelings because you are trying so hard to push them away and not experience them at all. So take a deep breath, and reassure yourself:

  • I am thinking or feeling this right now, and it’s just a thought or feeling. I can accept it. And then I can let it go.

Remember that in a previous lesson we introduced the idea that being honest, brave and kind to yourself were attitudes to cultivate? Letting go is an act of kindness to yourself.

If a friend was bothered by difficult thoughts or feelings, you wouldn’t judge them or be angry with them. You’d let them know the thoughts and feelings will pass, and just like the flock of birds, they’ll soon disappear over the horizon.