In cognitive behavioral therapy we call this defusion. Becoming aware of this difference de-fuses—creates a distance between—the part of you that is hyperreactive to threat and the rational part of you that can notice your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, and learn to override them when necessary.

Expansive Mind-set: I know I will do some things well and other things poorly, and neither reflects my worth as a person (unconditional self-acceptance).

No matter how smart you are, no matter how crystal clear your vision, everything is distorted when viewed through the lens of fear.

The only way we can get what we want in life is to override its warnings with our behavior.

Expansive Mind-set: It is more important to live life fully in the present moment than to spend time predicting what might go wrong in the future.

Expansive Mind-set: I can take reasonable precautions, knowing that I can influence but not control outcomes.

Thinking we are capable of changing others or keeping them happy leads to burnout, both personal and professional.

Within the cycle of anxiety, the joy of being alive is lost.

This is why I like to think of negative feelings as necessary feelings.