Dear Niyata:

When you feel distressed, your heart beating fast, your breathing shallow, slow down. Sit somewhere comfortably, or lie down, and say to yourself: shhhh…it’s okay. I am okay. Slow down your breathing, inhale slowly, exhale slowly. Sh… it’s okay. “I can take good care of myself. I am okay.”

When you are lonely and depressed, put your arms around the front of your body, hug yourself. “it’s okay. I will be okay. This too shall pass. I will feel better, soon”

When you think critically about yourself, beating you up for mistakes and such, calm yourself again, say: “I do not beat myself up. I need love, not beating up, not hate, not violence. I need love. Sh…. hush yourself. “I need love and I deserve love. I am lovable. I love me.

anita