IMPORTANT ADVICE FOR BPD!

In a random mood today and I wanted to share one of the biggest pieces of advice that my therapist has ever shared with me;

Always wait 24 hours (or longer) before making or acting on a thought/decision.

This has helped me so much, because I am often a 'victim' of my impulsive decisions and actions, it helps me to make sure that I am making the right choice; and that I really take the time to think about it.

Afterall, why focus on something that won't matter next week?

Thanks for the post! Too true... latest example...

Been having major difficulties with my family- haven't seen or heard from my siblings in a year,(they live with our mom). Our mom calls me up and wants me to house sit and watch the dog so they can go on a family vacation. I was in a "top of the world" mood and said yes, after all my cat is there, and I want what's best for my cat. This was a mistake- being over there is going to trigger big time and once my amazing mood faded I realized I made a major mistake. If I had followed that bit of advice, I could have saved myself some trouble!

BioHazard wrote:Thanks for the post! Too true... latest example...

Been having major difficulties with my family- haven't seen or heard from my siblings in a year,(they live with our mom). Our mom calls me up and wants me to house sit and watch the dog so they can go on a family vacation. I was in a "top of the world" mood and said yes, after all my cat is there, and I want what's best for my cat. This was a mistake- being over there is going to trigger big time and once my amazing mood faded I realized I made a major mistake. If I had followed that bit of advice, I could have saved myself some trouble!

I'm sorry to hear that, but maybe you can use this opportunity as a chance to work on your triggers; make a list of them and think of a plan of action to help deal with it differently?

For example;
Everytime - I drink from my empty water bottle, I get no water - I become dehydrated and weak.
Next time - I am going to find a filled water bottle to drink from - I become hydrated and strong.

Is good advice....though difficult for many of us to follow as we don't feel assertive enough to say "can I get back to you" because the guilt kicks in.....

BioHazard - can I just say something to maybe help you out? Do you know, absolutely 100% (i.e. you have a crystal ball and can see into the future) that going to the house is going to trigger you? If you build in failure from the start then it IS likely to happen. I know it's hard, but try to approach it with an open mind. It may all go horribly wrong - but it may not. By ruminating and dwellling on how big a mistake you've made you are turning it into a negative experience before it's even started.

easier said than done I know - I still find myself thinking such thoughts as "it'll be a disaster" and have to be mindful of those times.....I try to look at things in a balanced viewpoint and draw up evidence for and against the likelihood of it being a disaster....and you're not allowed to put "I just know it" as a fact.....