Joel D. Lazar, Ph.D.
CA Licensed Psychologist PSY 12520
La Jolla and Point Loma, CA 
 
619-540-6038                                                   doctorj7989@gmail.com           

LOOKING AT THE WHOLE PICTURE

Sometimes we get so caught up in the stress of life that we develop “tunnel vision.”  No matter how many negatives one is dealing with, and sometimes they are plentiful, there are always some positives too.  But if we don’t look hard, we can miss seeing them. And when we mostly focus on the negatives in our life, life looks and feels excessively negative.  The price is even more stress.
 
You have an opportunity, whenever you want, to refocus on the positive experiences in your life.  This won’t eliminate your stress, but it will reduce your distress. Each evening (or at dinner), ask yourself (and possibly your partner/ children/ a loved one who is stressing): what was something I (and you) enjoyed, appreciated, succeeded at, or felt friendliness or compassion from today? 

Date and Time  Situation            Appreciation/  Successful/ Enjoyable/ Friendliness