by Bethany Eggers, LPC-MH
 

“Some What if Monsters like to hang out, and fill up our heads with worry and doubt. They are sneaky and quiet and quick as a blink, the words that they whisper can change how we think.” Jonathan James and the What if Monster, written by Michelle Nelson-Schmidt.

Many, if not all of us, have this little voice in our head that wants us to play it safe and stay in our comfort zones. It often tells us that things may be too scary, too risky, too much or not enough. “What if I look silly?” “What if they say no?” Our own little “What if Monster” keeps us from imagining all of the possibilities if we were to try. 

I wonder what would happen if we were to talk back to that “What if Monster” and imagine a different outcome?  “I hear all your worries; I hear all your claims. But what if you’re wrong?” asked Jonathan James. “What if I make new friends?” “What if I do really well?” This children’s book is a sweet reminder to challenge the difficult thoughts that often keep us from moving forward. 

Reframing the way that we think can be a difficult task. It takes courage to talk back to that little voice and tell it to take a hike. It may be helpful to write out the negative self-talk statements. Once written down, talk back to it with the facts, flipping the worries to identifying the potential. 

At all four of our locations - River Counseling Services in Platte, Sioux Falls Psychological Services, and Stronghold Counseling Services in Sioux Falls and in Yankton, our mission is this- we meet you where you are, offering hope.  You may schedule an appointment at the Platte office at 605-337-3444 or meet with one of our Sioux Falls or Yankton based therapists from your computer, smartphone, or in person at any of our clinics. To schedule an appointment, please call 605-334-2696.