TALKING YOURSELF OFF A LEDGE

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We’re not taught this and we should be. Talking yourself off a ledge that is. We should be taught that when we’re too close to the edge, taking a step back is vital. That we need to save ourselves from the doom that awaits us when we step off the ledge. The pain that will surely be ours if we don’t take a second to think, to breathe. Why aren’t we taught this at an early age? Instead we are taught “survival skills”. I’m talking every possible way to survive when there’s a shortage of food, water, or shelter. But again I ask, why aren’t we being taught how to combat, hell to survive wars within ourselves?

To be taught how to talk ourselves off the ledge?

A few nights ago, I taught a friend how to talk themselves off the ledge.

I had to remind them of the doom that would surely await them if they stepped too far out.

I taught them the way my best friend taught me a few years ago.

In doing so it reminded me that not too many people are aware of small ways that they too — can talk themselves from heading over the edge.

So I’m here to teach you babes.

STEP ONE:

Take a deep breath. It may seem so cliche, but sometimes you may just need to get some oxygen in that brain of yours. A breath will help provide initial comfort and relaxation. All of which will help give you peace of mind even if it’s for a few seconds.

STEP TWO:

Remind yourself. It’s a bad moment or it might even be a collection of bad moments, but it IS NOT a bad life. Bad things couldn’t possibly go on forever. You have to say that out loud babe. “It’s a bad moment, but it is not and will not be a bad life.”

STEP THREE:

Identify what is causing you to feel that way (wanting to head off the ledge) & ADDRESS IT, IMMEDIATELY. Whenever I feel overwhelmed or irritated about something — it helps for me to feel like I’m coming up with solutions to solve the problem. If I identify the issues I’m having and how to address them, I feel SO COMFORTED. & babes, so will you!

STEP FOUR:

SAY IT LOUD & SAY IT PROUD. I simply mean that it is so important to verbalize your feelings out loud. Acknowledge them. Nothing burns worse than secretly fuming and not letting it out at all. It’s not healthy and it will surely cause you to lose your shit. Find someone you can confide in and speak your peace. Pray about it. Do anything that helps you get it out and air out your frustrations.

STEP FIVE:

Go distract yourself. Find something that you love or enjoy and after purging all those negative thoughts — focus your time & energy on those positive things. Accept that the situation is what it is for now, but it surely won’t be like that for long and move forward.

I hope this helps, even a little bit,

Thelms