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Writer's pictureMonica Eastway

The Art of NOT Catastrophizing


In the quiet of the morning, when the earth is soft and the sun spills golden over the land, let your feet find joy in every scratch and your heart in every breeze. For in every cluck, every flutter, and every worm found, the soul finds its peace and the heart its song. – Henrietta, my alter 'eggo' keeping things sunny-side up! 🐔🍳

According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology:


Catastrophize: vb. to exaggerate the negative consequences of events or decisions. People are said to be catastrophizing when they think that the worst possible outcome will occur from a particular action or situation or when they feel as if they are in the midst of a catastrophe in situations that may be serious and upsetting but are not necessarily disastrous. The tendency to catastrophize can unnecessarily increase levels of anxiety and lead to maladaptive behavior. The verb, as well as its synonym awfulize, was coined by Albert Ellis. —catastrophizing n.

Greetings All!


While my articles usually average a 5-15 minute read, this one is 

egg-straordinarily concise.


Instead of diving into an avalanche of words, I invite you to watch my cluck-worthy video, featuring Henrietta (my alter eggo ) perched proudly atop my head.





After watching, I inspire you to go outside and Unearth The Five A's—where life's problems seem a little less catastrophic and a lot more feathered. 🐔


Connecting with Nature has been shown to scramble negative thought patterns and boost Happy Brain Chemicals faster than you can say,

Why did the chicken cross the road?

Unearth The Five A's


AWARENESS

Immerse in Nature


Go Outdoors

Become aware of your breath.

Breathing in, I know I am breathing in.

Breathing out, I know I am breathing out.

Be fully present in the moment.

Notice the sights, smells, sounds, textures, and colors around you.

Gaze Deeply.

Allow yourself to fully engage with your surroundings


AWE

Feel Sensations of Boundless Wonderment


As you gaze deeply into your natural surroundings

Discover something you have not noticed before

Something that fills you with wonderment

Enjoy a few moments gazing into this delightful surprise


Allow yourself to be mesmerized by Nature's Beauty


APPRECIATION

Love and Deep Gratitude


As You Continue to Immerse Your Senses Outdoors

Allow yourself to dwell in the present moment

Appreciate the beauty of the world around you


Vocalize Three Things You Are Thankful

for that Nature Provides


ACTIVATES

Connection and Care


How do you feel witnessing Nature's Beauty?


Allow yourself to experience and appreciate

the emotions that Nature evokes within


ACTION

Caring In, For and With Nature


Enjoy a few moments and think about ways you can

Nurture Care Outdoors


Allow yourself to be fully present and feel compassion


Taking action for Nature doesn't have to be grand.


Henrietta says even small gestures count—like the daily dirt-scratching sessions she calls land improvement initiatives.


Even a chicken can't peck the whole yard clean in one day.

Enjoy one step—or one scratch—at a time.


Caring for Nature = Caring for Ourselves


So there you have it: Let's leave catastrophizing in the coop and embrace a lighter, more grounded approach to life.

Now, go outside, enjoy a deep breath, and let your worries fly the coop—peace of mind is just a cluck away. 🐓✨


A little more ho ho ha ha ha:


Henrietta says, 'Why cross the road to avoid your problems when you can scratch around and turn them into opportunities? Or at least compost!

Chickens don't dwell on the past. They literally can't remember it. Be like a chicken—live in the moment and forget why you were stressed five minutes ago.

Henrietta says, 'When life gives you cracked eggs, make an omelette—and then eat it outside for maximum serenity.

If you feel like life's a scramble, remember: chickens don't worry about breaking eggs—they just keep laying them.

Join Our Upcoming Care Outdoors Cohort!









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