Wednesday, July 28, 2010
"Control is an Illusion"
Lucinda Bassett has helped thousands and thousands of people with anxiety and depression and she has certainly helped me!
I always had a fear of flying but one day it just had to be done, I had to fly for work. Of course I was very nervous before take-off, but once we were up in the air I remember thinking this isn’t that bad. I was relieved and actually thought I can fly anywhere now. I think a half-hour or so went by and then I hear the Captain’s voice telling us we need to turn around due to complications. We all knew something was wrong, but didn’t know what. My body completely went into pure panic. My adrenaline was pumping, I was desperately looking for others reactions and my heart was racing until we hit the ground. Firemen were on board the minute we landed and we quickly learned that one of our engines was actually on fire…but we made it, we were all fine. Well, sort of…
I knew I had to continue to fly (because my job required a lot of travel) but just the thought of it made me sweat. This experience obviously did not help matters, but I knew flying was very safe (I did plenty of research) and knew this was not the norm. I also knew that I had to overcome this fear, but I had no idea how.
My sister had told me about Lucinda Bassett and her program called “Attacking Anxiety & Depression.” She let me borrow the tapes (yes tapes, it was years ago, they still existed) and I began to listen. I learned all about anxiety, how it affects your body, the problem with “What if” thinking and how your thoughts can really make a difference (good or bad). She would have round-table discussions with groups of people and record their group sessions. I thought it was so cool to hear other people's similar thoughts. It definitely made you feel like you were not alone. Very powerful stuff!
After the support of her tapes, (especially What if thinking and Relaxation) each flight was getting better and better. I noticed I was using her methods not only on a plane, but in everyday life. It was a HUGE relief and her program was the best gift I could have ever received. Even to this day, if I am going through a difficult situation, I utilize what she taught me.
Her story is so inspirational and it will absolutely inspire you too! She went from having panic attacks everyday and barely being able to function, to a best-selling author and motivational speaker. She has appeared on national shows such as, Oprah, Regis, Montel Williams, Maury Povich, The View, etc… You can (and should) read her story here.
She impacted my life in many ways and I really wanted to reach out to her and ask her a few questions… She was kind enough to answer…
1. One word to describe yourself? I would say optimistic. I live with hope and passion.
2. What is (or was) your deepest fear? My deepest fear was losing control, and ironically one of the most powerful lessons I learned in my life was to realize control is an illusion.
3. Did you overcome the fear? If so, how? Yes, by growing up, realizing and accepting that there is no such thing as control. Control is an illusion. One of the most effective things you can do in your life is to relinquish control and not try to control your surroundings or other people, especially because you can’t! All you really have control over is how you choose to be affected by other people and what’s happening around you… and that’s an inside job. That is something that I’ve gotten very good at and teach other people. This has changed my life and has really helped minimize my personal issues with anxiety and depression.
4. What is your true passion? My passion first and foremost is being a mother. It is very, very important to me to keep my family intact. I want my children happy, empowered and feeling secure. And my other passion is about giving people hope and showing people there is light at the end of the tunnel. I look forward to giving people back their passion, their power and teaching them how to be their own parachute. And are you living your true passion? I absolutely live my true passion every day. I do it even when I’m not getting paid for it. I have this fortunate skill of giving people positive energy, hope and motivation – I make that part of my daily life experience - whether it’s for my son, my daughter, a good friend or someone I meet in an elevator –it’s been my life mission to help other people! I really think that’s what we’re all here for anyway.
One of her team members said, “I’m glad to hear she gave you your wings” and I immediately thought...in more ways than one…
I’m very grateful she came into my life and if you’re struggling with any form of anxiety or depression, I promise you…she will give you your wings too!
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2 comments:
Control is an issue that I believe many of us struggle with and reading her comments is always very helpful. I have also been inspired by Lucinda Bassett and her tapes and her passion.
I believe this blog with help many people.
Thank you..
--g
I think she is trying to control her kids, and I think you are trying to control your crazy feelings. Not really, I'm just joking :). I like it and I hope your blog can help others. I think I love You!!!!
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