affirmations

Two cigarettes with a warning: Don't think about smoking.

Monday Morning Musing….

Written by: Debbie

This week is shaping up to be a wonderful week. I have the opportunity to speak at the WIN Symposium tomorrow evening. The Symposium is an annual event, held by Women In Networking, where women can network, attend workshops and visit a variety of exhibitors to find ways of improving their opportunities. Net proceeds benefit the Healthy Start Coalition of Pinellas County and The American Cancer Society. It promises to be quite interesting, I have certainly enjoyed it in years past.

Now, I was with a group of friends on Saturday night and mentioned the Symposium. One of the gentlemen told me to “break a leg”. This made us all laugh, but it also helped to remind me that part of this month’s theme is superstitions. So, I want to reassure you that I will not be carrying a rabbits foot with me, wearing any lucky charms or keep salt in my pocket during the talk. I will however, look into the eyes of my audience, speak to them from my heart and have a wonderful time sharing what I have to offer, in the hopes that my information will help someone walk away feeling just a little bit better about themselves.

As I always do, I will use a little bit of self-hypnosis to calm and center myself before I speak. I hope to have audience participation, it is more fun that way. When they leave, I hope that new affirmations have been created by each attendee, that will take them through the next few days, weeks and months into a journey of fun and discovery. It is my goal that each person feels more self empowered as well. I’ll let you know how it goes!

Woman receiving a relaxing shoulder massage with a calm smile.

Emotional Eating (Continued)

Written by: Debbie

I was asked to appear on Tampabay’s 10 news at 4:00 yesterday, to discuss the blog I posted on emotional eating. Afterwords, I went into an internet chat room provided by the station to continue the discussion. It was a great experience for me. If you want to view the video of the interview, click here: Marty Matthews and Debbie Lane Chat.

I have had the great fortune of working with a local doctor who specializes in weight management. This is his description of what he does: The journey of change starts with an acknowledgment and appreciation of where one is, and a vision of what one desires. My program will provide you with the guidance, support and tools necessary to help you succeed in your life’s journey to a healthier and thinner you….and in the end, help you achieve a new perspective in thought where food is enjoyed and balanced with a healthy lifestyle. ~ Cesar A. Lara, MD

Next, I have created another little video to help me keep my focus on being healthy and in shape. I hope you enjoy it!

Audience watching speaker, Debbie Lane of Wisdom Hypnosis on stage in theater.

Visualization

Written by: Debbie

We are told to visualize what we want in order to attract the right circumstances and opportunities to ourselves. This is not easy for everyone who comes into my office. Some folks are more auditory, they can hear the sweet siren call of success. Others are more kinesthetic, they just feel lucky!

I have created a little video to help me focus on my goals, to keep gratitude in my heart and remind me to affirm my blessings. I thought I would share it with you today:

Woman meditating outdoors in green field.

Using Pleasant Memories to Fall Asleep

Written by: Debbie

You are absolutely on the right track by reliving pleasant experiences before bed.

In fact, this is one of the most effective stress management and self-hypnosis techniques for sleep. When you intentionally recall a positive memory, you activate calming emotions in the body. Your breathing slows. Your muscles soften. Your nervous system shifts out of survival mode.

Personally, I often use pleasant memories to generate powerful positive emotions as I fall asleep. Once I feel grounded and steady, I may briefly allow a challenge into my awareness.

However — and this is important — I release attachment to the outcome. I let go of expectation and return my focus to the good feelings I created.

Then I fall asleep with a simple inner question:
What is my next step?

Many times, I either dream the solution or wake with clarity that helps me move forward.

This is not accidental. When you relax before sleep, your subconscious mind continues processing in healthy and creative ways.

Why Stress Affects Concentration

Difficulty concentrating during grief and stress is common.

When you say you can “feel your mind pulling away,” that is a protective response. If something feels overwhelming, your nervous system attempts to shield you by redirecting attention.

However, avoidance does not resolve what must be handled.

Therefore, instead of forcing concentration, build it gently.

A Simple Daily Stress Detox Practice

To regain focus and emotional balance, schedule short “detox” moments throughout the day.

Even two minutes can reset your nervous system.

Here’s how:

Stop and take a slow, deep breath.
As you inhale, notice your body.
Listen internally.
Become aware of your heartbeat.
Sense your body occupying the space around you.

Continue breathing deeply.

Then affirm quietly:

I deserve peace, serenity, and joy.
My thoughts are clear.
I remain focused.

Repeat this as often as needed during the day.

Over time, this practice strengthens emotional resilience, improves concentration, and reduces stress naturally.

Moving Forward After Loss and Change

You are not behind. You are not weak. You are navigating grief, transition, and responsibility all at once.

So continue using positive imagery before sleep. Additionally, build small daily moments of intentional calm. As your nervous system stabilizes, your concentration will return.

Be patient with yourself.

Healing and clarity often arrive quietly — especially when you give them space.

Let It Go……

Written by: Debbie

We are told to “let it go”, to stay in the moment. Everyone and their brother is touting The Secret or The Law Of Attraction or even The Power Of Positive Thinking. So much is said about attracting what we think about, that our circumstances are the result of past thoughts. This advice is everywhere and for many it is almost a punishment, a creator of guilt.

April is National Anxiety Month. My clients, many of them, don’t need just a month to be aware of anxious feelings. They could fill a calendar year with stories of moments that produce those feelings. Just last night, I had a client visit with me who is a big believer in “what you think, you attract”. (We will call her Dorothy for our purposes here.) Dorothy has created dream boards, used affirmations and visualized positive changes in her life. Still, her life has given her an unexpected twist. She was becoming paralyzed in fear. She had an overwhelming sense of doom in regards to this particular situation.

Dorothy asked me, “I know I am supposed to stay in the now, but how?” For most of us, it is a tennis match in our mind. The good thoughts get returned with fear, back and forth. Think a good though, fear creeps in. Try to push fear away, it takes grip. Try harder to push it back, it takes an even stronger hold, all consuming, mind numbing, thought controlling. The fear wins.

Add to the feeling of defeat, guilt and finally shame. After all, we are “supposed” to control our own thoughts, thinking only good thoughts. Fear, guilt, shame, the Hat Trick of negativity.

Dorothy looked at me with all sincerity and said, “How do you remain so positive? How do you prevent feelings of fear?” I laughed and replied, “I don’t”. I have my moments of fear and doubt. I am hardwired, just like everyone else I know to go to the negatives. To play the what if game. I have just learned to recognize when it begins, to notice the triggers and to go into action, creating change.

On numerous times, I have written and spoken about the value of humor in any given situation. It is a great tool to have. Another possibility is to change activities. Exercise is a great
de stressor, thought re arranger. I have solved and resolved many issues when out for a brisk walk or bike ride. The change in scenery allows me to change my perspective, not to mention those feel good brain chemicals that are released through exercise.

I often remind myself to stay in the moment, by taking deep, slow breathes. I ask myself if I am safe in this moment. In this moment, are all my basic needs met? Breathe again. What is right in my life now? What am I grateful for here and now?

I focus on one small change I can make, what would it be? How do I change? How is my perception different in regards to this situation, so that I can allow peace in my life? I know that I am not in control of everything that occurs in my life, nor am I responsible. It is only my perception that I can change, my attitude.

I started writing this early this morning. Life and activities interrupted me and delayed me. I just kept saying, blogging is not my life, it is simply a part of my life. So, while waiting for a client tonight,who was delayed by traffic, I thought I finished what I was meant to post. Thank heavens for heavy traffic. You see, she revealed to me so many miracles and possibilites in my life when she arrived. A dear friend of mine, from 20 years ago, is married to a colleague of hers. I hope to make contact again, with a fabulous, funny individual. Then a former client of mine called with news of changes she was making, that just happen to fit into something I was thinking might be useful in my life. Gee, I wonder if this thought change stuff really works? Do you think I attracted some positive results? Hmmmm…..